The Cardinals are close to signing outfielder Randy Winn, according to the team's official Twitter feed. He was designated for assignment by the Yankees about a week ago.

Winn, 36 next week, hit just .213/.300/.295 in 71 plate appearances for the Yanks, and his merely average defensive performance wasn't even getting him playing time as a late-inning defense replacement by the end of his tenure. The Yanks are still on the hook for his $1.1MM salary, less the pro-rated portion of the league minimum that St. Louis will pay him

Edit:
Cardinals optioned OF Jon Jay to Triple-A Memphis. Jay wasn't playing that poorly, .302/.302/.442 in 45 PAs, but lost his spot to the newly acquired Randy Winn. He'll head back to Triple-A where he was hitting .347/.420/.542 before his recall.

Id rather keep jon Jay. But Tony loves those vets.

I remember years ago, back in the early 70's, when Heity Cruz was a rookie. In a nationally televised game, (only kind in those days except on Sunday), Cards got a runner on third with one out. I don't remember who they walked, but the opponents walked the bases full intentionally to pitch to Cruz and another rookie following him. They both struck out. don't remember if the Cards won or lost in the end.

Anyway, they have walked some folks to get to Freeze, Jay, Mather, and Stav.....and except for Freeze and Stav on occasion, it has worked. They might think a bit harder with Winn up there.

I am just playing devil's advocate here. I think I'm with some of ya'll that I'd rather give Jay the playing time. He certainly didn't do anything wrong during his stay.

I say send Winn down the road and keep Jay - UNLESS they just want to make sure Jay gets to play somewhere everyday. Right now I'd think he would be the lead choice to replace Luddy next year (not a knock on Luddy, thinking $$$). Winn's 3 homers since the beginning of 2009 ain't going to scare anyone.

That's what I was thinking, except he's a plus
defensively in the right now picture.

Still don't like Ott........

luckycards08 wrote:Id rather keep jon Jay. But Tony loves those vets.

Amen to that, but I would like to see Jay getting more playing time. Winn is cheap and could be an asset if he can get it going. I watched the end of the game and thought is Jim Winn one of the pitching coaches? Then he turned around and my next thought was, which young prospect did they trade for this washed up geezer? I'm ok with the way it is, Jay will play every day and this guy sits. Just don't want him taking too many at bats from Rasmus and Luddy, you know Holliday is going to play every day.

That was the concern Bernie had.....that if they used Winn to take AB's away from Raz then they shouldn't do this. The overall comment was Jay needed playing time to develop and that he had done well here.

I don't know....playing every day in the MINORS or sitting on the bench in the MAJORS with occasional playing time plus the meal money on trips plus the MLB minimum salary versus my minor league pay. I think I'd rather ride the pine, ya know.

Hicard does NOT like the Otter.....

Gotta be honest. Not a huge fan of this move...but I can understand why it was made.

I'll go against the flow and say I like what they've done to spice up the bench.

I agree 100% with Tony's approach to having an experienced and versatile bench.

OK.

Then how's about shipping Schu the hell outta there
for something like a Looper?

He's Still better than the Otter.

And Winn is another old has been, that could do some
serious good for the Cards IF he's got it in him.

I ain't gonna compare him to a Reggie Sanders yet.....

sigonella wrote:I
Anyway, they have walked some folks to get to Freeze, Jay, Mather, and Stav.....and except for Freeze and Stav on occasion, it has worked. They might think a bit harder with Winn up there.

Who are the people they have walked to get to those guys? Pujols? Holliday? Ludwick? Point is that if the situation presents itself, most managers would rather face the rookie than the aforementioned.

As for the move, he tied the ballgame last night and helped give us a chance. So far its okay.

CardsFanAlways wrote:

sigonella wrote:I
Anyway, they have walked some folks to get to Freeze, Jay, Mather, and Stav.....and except for Freeze and Stav on occasion, it has worked. They might think a bit harder with Winn up there.

Who are the people they have walked to get to those guys? Pujols? Holliday? Ludwick? Point is that if the situation presents itself, most managers would rather face the rookie than the aforementioned.

As for the move, he tied the ballgame last night and helped give us a chance. So far its okay.

And although they weren't terrific plays he made two pretty good catches out there too. One coming in a long way and one going back almost to the wall.

He looks to be in good shape still so he might help more than some invision.

I will say though, that if Colby continues to hit lefties like he has since he got the new specs then Winn won't get a lot of playing time anyway ... or shouldn't. Enough to stay sharp but not 250-300 ab's.

I just want to say .......



So far anyway.