We have guest writer on the site today. Edward Wang has been a fan of the Cardinals for most of his life, and has been following our site from Asia for months. He had some thoughts about the upcoming free agent seasons and how they might help our Redbirds that we wanted to publish for further speculation. Enjoy! – Ray

Since the Pujols departure from St. Louis last week, the Cardinals have been aggressive. Signing Furcal and Skip Schumaker to two year deals, and closing in on a deal with J.C. Romero. With all the money on the hands of the Cardinals, what are they going to do with it? Should they save it for next year for better free agents, or should they go ahead and start looking at the free agents on the market this year?  Let’s break this down by the free agents on 2012 and 2013 that fits the Cardinals.

2012 Free Agents that may fit the Cardinals

Position Players:

1. Prince Fielder: A huge threat to the Cardinals during the post season, he’s a monster hitter who also brings a new personality to the club house. Unfortunately he’s a poor defensive player which could hurt the Cardinals even more when the Cards are already with the 2nd most errors in the National League.
2. Carlos Pena: Pena may not hit for high average, but he hits for high walk and homerun counts. He could be a temporary solution for the Cardinals, but there isn’t much in first base free agents next year. So if the Cardinals want to lock him up, he should be locked up for two years.
3. Orlando Cabrera: Cabrera is a player who plays both short and second, he can help the depth in the middle infield, and provide more flexibility to the Cardinals lineup.
4. Ryan Ludwick:  A good number two hitter and a great outfielder, also a fan favorite.
5. Coco Crisp: Crisp a speedy outfielder who just set a career high in stolen bases for Oakland with 49 this year. He can add speed to the Cardinals lineup, that the Cards never had.

Pitchers:

1. Edwin Jackson: He can be a solid addition to the Cardinals lineup if he’s consistent with his performance.
2. Roy Oswalt:  A down year for Roy Oswalt last season, but if he’s able to bounce back he can be a real threat to hitters.
3. Joel Pinero: Pinero never really had the groove in Los Angeles the way he had in St. Louis, but a little tweeking by Dave Duncan could fix him.
4. Frank Francisco: Francisco a dominant relief pitcher, and remained the same when he was a closer. He could replace Dotel’s spot now that Dotel is with the Tigers.
5. Chris Young: Chris young is the complete package in pitching, his slider, splitter and sinker are the major weapons that he brings to the game.

2013 Free Agents that may fit the Cardinals

Position Players:

1. Ichiro Suzuki: Ichiro is the best free agent right fielder in 2013, but he may cost too much for the Cardinals.
2. Melky Cabrera: Coming of a career year in 2011, Melky has shown that he can hit for average and power. Hitting .305, 87 RBIs and 18 homeruns. If Craig moves to right field, and Berkman plays first, Melky can play center and add depth to the Cardinals lineup.
3. Lance Berkman: Berkman already proven that he still has something in him, after winning comeback player of the year this year. Resigning Berkman once again will be a protection for Matt Holliday in the lineup, and bring a positive energy to the clubhouse every day.
4. Andre Ethier: Remember Ethier during the 2009 playoffs? When he led the charge against the Cardinals and eventully swept the Cardinals? Ethier would be a solid addition for the Cardinals, a very good hitter and a plus defender(Gold Glover). He could bat third in the cardinal’s lineup, and play right field.
5. Ian Kinsler: The middle infield is the position that troubles the Cardinals the most, even if the Cardinals lock up Schumaker and Furcal, I still think it is not strong enough. Adding Kinsler at 2nd base would help the Cardinals defense and speed.

Pitchers:

1. Jose Valverde: 49 for 49 save opportunities this year for the Tigers. Yes, we have a stable closer, Motte. But with Valverde as a closer and Motte as a setup man once again, the Cardinals can have a MVP bullpen.
2. Gavin Floyd: The white sox holds a nine and a half million dollar option on Floyd, he can be solid number 4 starter for the Cardinals behind Wainwright, Carpenter and Garcia.
3. Colby Lewis:  Lewis one of the key pitchers of the Rangers rotation in the WS has proven himself in the postseason with a 3.03 ERA.
4. Shaun Marcum: After the Tommy John Surgery in 2009 Marcum returned in 2010 like he was before, an outstanding player. Despite a struggling 2011, he is still considered a quality pitcher.

Looking at the lists of free agents in 2012 and 2013, the 2013 free agents are a better fit for the Cardinals. There are pitchers that fit in the 3^rd or 4^th spot in the rotation such as Floyd and Lewis, and help with the middle infield and right field like Kinsler and Ethier. With the power from the middle infield and right field, there will be no worries at first base. So the cardinals should use the Pujols money to sign free agents in 2013. 2012 Cardinals may not be a World Series team, but it would be a good chance to let rookies have a chance to prove themselves.