Luna for Belliard

Posted by Bobo Hilario | 4:52 pm | Cardinals

Apparently, the Cardinals traded for Ronnie Belliard today.  They gave up Hector Luna, who they got from the Indians for nothing in the Rule V draft 3 years ago.  So long term the Cards got Ronnie Belliard for nothing.  Luna is only 26 and can already hit well for a middle infielder, but his fielding has not developed as fast as the Cards would have liked.  Belliard is 31, he hits about as well as Luna and fields considerable better.  Belliard, was considered a marginal major leaguer until the Indians gave him a chance three years ago and he earned an everyday job.  Now, he is at least an average major league second baseman.  For 2006, Belliard is clearly an improvement over the Luna/Miles platoon.  Belliard is making 4 million this year and is a free agent next year.  Hopefully, the Cards don’t plan on resigning him at that price when he is 32. 
I think Jocketty made a good deal, while not a blockbuster.  The Cardinals look playoff bound this year, and like any playoff team they should make all the moves to give themselves the best chance to win immediately.  Luna will be a decent bench hitter an spot starter for years to come, but players like that are usually readily available.