The Cardinals signed So Taguchi to a on year deal today. If you had asked me last year during Spring Training, I wouldn’t have liked this at all. In fact, I called Taguchi “So I bat my number Taguchi.” Of course, that was before So filled in for Larry Walker last year and did a great job of it. I hope the “Gooch” gets a starting job this year. If he doesnt work out, we can always make a trade for another outfielder during the year. Between So and John Rodriguez I figure one of them, if not both, has to pan out. I have to be honest; I’m not really excited about Encarnacion. I think we needed a bigger bat than he offers. No Taguchi wont hit 30 homeruns, but he brings a certain style of play to the team that I think is good for us. Basically, I really like this move by the Cards.

Manager Tony La Russa said yesterday that the starting second baseman has not yet been determined. While Junior Spivey (right) is widely considered to be the front-runner, the Cards also have Aaron Miles and Hector Luna fighting for the position. La Russa and the rest of the Cardinal staff seem to have some sort of unexplainable affection for Luna. They keep saying that if he gets the chance, he could be something special. Well I’ve watched him play too and there is a reason he isn’t getting and extra chances. I guess we’ll wait and see on this one but I would be MUCH more comfortable with Spivey or Miles at second.

In other news, it looks like Scotty Ballgame is back in action and feeling fine. Rolen went 0 for 2 at the plate but swung the bat well. The gold glover also dove for a ball in the field without incident. If the Cards are going to contend for a title this year, Scotty is going to have to stay healthy and be productive. With the retirement of Larry Walker and the loss of Reggie Sanders, the Cards are going to need someone to help Pujols drive in those runs. I am still holding out hope that one of these new outfielders turns out to be lightning in a bottle and can take some of the pressure of Scotty and Edmonds but I wouldnt count on it right now. Also, I still wouldnt rule out a trade for an outfielder later in the season but we have to be in position to contend if or when that trade happens. A lot of that is going to ride on the shoulders (and knees) of Scott Rolen.

According to reports, the Cubs look to be getting closer to signing Derek Lee to an extension. This would pretty much be the smartest thing the Cubs could do since Lee is outstanding. He is perhaps the only Cub player that I dont hate, just out of principle. I mean, its tough to dislike someone who quietly goes about his business of very nearly winning the triple crown.

The Cubs also appear to be leaning towards keeping second baseman Todd Walker. Unable to find enough interest in the former batting champion, Walker has played impressively this spring. In my opinion they should keep him around. He’s not a Soriano or a Roberts but he’ll give the Cubs what they need from the second baseman.

I hate to say it, but it looks like the Cubs are making some smart moves this spring.

So, I just noticed while putting the finishing touches on the Schedule page that the Cardinals and Cubs last meeting is in August. One of the greatest rivalries in the game, and we dont even play each other in September? That just seems idiotic on the MLB’s part. Chicago plays the Reds 7 times in the last 15 games and the Cards play the Brewers 7 times in their last 14. Wouldnt it make a bit more sense to save a series to close out the season with? I mean, the rivalry aside, MLB would idealy have the division on the line in the last few games of the season and as much as I hate to say it, I think the Cards will be battling the Cubs and/or the Astros for the division this year. I guess it could work out well if the Brewers surprise people but still, I’d like to see the Cubs in the last few games of the year and I doubt I’m alone. (In case you were wondering, the BoSox and the Yanks dont play each other in the last 12 games either. Who made this schedule?)

Ok, this is it. This is the official launch date of FanForHire.com! March 9th, 2006 at roughly 12:45 a.m. CST. Believe it or not, we’ve already gotten a couple of donations so I’d say its going well. This is gonna be a short blog post but there will be plenty more in the days and weeks to come. For now, just tell your friends about FanForHire.com