 |
| Cardinals fans wanted a curtain call from Lance Berkman after he hit his 30th home run of the season on Friday. Berkman wants something too. A new contract extension from the Cardinals. - Photo from Getty Images |
"I'm sure I'll play next year somewhere," Berkman told reporters on Wednesday. "Hopefully it will be here but part of that is not up to me."
Unlike the Cardinals other high profile free agent Albert Pujols, Berkman expressed interest in talking to the Cardinals about a contract extension immediately. When asked if he would discuss a contract extension before the season ends, Berkman did not hesitate.
"Oh yeah, absolutely. This would be my first choice."
So what is taking the Cardinals and general manager John Mozeliak so long?
Why aren't the Cardinals working with Berkman right now to secure his services for next season, especially with so many other question marks that will have curious answers as the Pujols free agency drama unfolds?
Berkman is practically pleading with the Cardinals to sign him to an extension now and he is doing it publicly. The slugger wants to be here and obviously wants to get something done sooner rather than later.
He does not sound interested in testing free agency. He wants to be a Cardinal next season.
Signing Berkman immediately makes so much sense and waiting any longer to get an extension done and signed would be a huge mistake.
Berkman has obviously shown that he has something left in the tank. Berkman is hitting .292 with 30 home runs, 81 RBI's, and in impressive .980 OPS. He has shown that he can play the outfield, run the bases, and has provided veteran leadership in the clubhouse. Berkman is the exact type of player that fans in St. Louis adore and will come to Busch Stadium to see.
Not only does Berkman give you the numbers, he also provides the team with an insurance policy.
Nobody knows what will happen with Pujols this off-season. By signing Berkman now, at least the Cardinals can negotiate with Pujols with the confidence of knowing they have secured a back-up plan in case talks get crazy.
Not signing Berkman now and waiting on Pujols would be devastating, especially if both decide to go elsewhere. Why not secure Berkman now?
Signing Berkman may even convince Pujols even further that this organization is truly still interested in winning.
Hopefully the Cardinals and Mozeliak are listening to what Berkman is telling the media. Sign Berkman now and avoid a possible pitfall of losing both him and Pujols this winter.
Berkman wants to come back and the Cardinals should secure him as soon as possible.
Sources:
Makes perfect sense to sign him..they need to stop being so tight with the cash. St. Louis is a major baseball heaven and the money is there...sign Berkman to a 2 year deal and if we lose Pujols..think of the money we can put towards 3-4 other quality players and have 1st base already locked up. I am a huge Pujols fan and want him to stay...but as we all have seen this year, he is human and human get old and slow down. Why sign a 10 year contract when we can invest in multiple areas that need upgrades like pitching and outfield, middle infield? Makes sense and Berkman is a class act I have met and enjoyed the time I spoke with him..he is humble and gifted!
ReplyDelete