Trading Izzy

You're absolutely right. Just like the stock market. You buy when there is blood in the streets and sell at the top when everyone is feeling warm and fuzzy. Ever since his surgery near the end of the 2006 season, Izzy has been almost unhittable. But we know it won't last forever. So let some other GM find that out the hard way.

The only problem with your argument is that I think we will be in contention, if not pulling away from the pack.  So we will need Izzy to close out our 2nd WS title in three years.  pipe

I think that if we are in playoff contention, and Chris Perez isnt quite ready yet, we should resign Izzy for 2 more years. Closers can last a long time and are extremely valuable, and Izzy is showing no signs of slowing down, so why change a good thing? Chris Perez can set up the 8th inning for a couple years and learn from Izzy. That would be one sick bullpen. If we are out of contention and Perez is ready to go, then I would only be ok with trading him for either a top top prospect or a proven starter, seeing that every guy we have is a 1 year contract, a Mark Buerle type (before he re-signed) possibly, someone who is in the last year of their contract but we could re-sign him.

Seeing as how we will win the World Series this year, I dont see Jason going anywhere.

Interesting thoughts on this all around.  For me personally, it would be hard to see Izzy traded around the All-Star break if the team is floundering.

First, the team is off to a terrific start.  It's early, I know, and I suspect that there will be an issue or two or three with this team as we move well into the 2008 campaign.  But right now, it appears that this team will be at least somewhat better than predicted.  The starting rotation has been sensational in the early going, and Izzy has been dynamite.  If this team is still in the thick of things at the end of May, and right now I would say the odds favor that being the case, then I don't see Izzy getting dealt. 

Let's say for the sake of argument that the Cards are twelve games out of first on 1 July (again, I don't think that will be the case, but bear with me; I'm thinking out loud here).  Let's say that some contending team in need of a closer or eighth inning guy offers the Cards a quality prospect for Izzy.  Who then would close for the Cardinals?  The way I see it, they have no one even remotely close to Izzy on their 40 man roster who could, or should, be expected to shoulder that responsibility.  Chris Perez is a guy who I would like to see eased into a seventh or eighth inning major league role before annointing him the next closer.  And since Izzy is showing no signs of slowing down, if he's still doing the job four months into the season, why would you not want to bring this guy back for 2009?  I know he's had injury issues (what pitcher his age hasn't?) throughout his career.  Based on his injury history and age, it would probably make more sense to talk contract with him after the season is done.

The way things look now, though, I see Izzy returning to the Cards in 2009, and I would fully support that.

I'm alright with trading Izzy.  You're talking about trading an vetran pitcher with maybe a couple years left in the tank (regardless of how long he plays) and trading him for some young talent.  I think it falls right in with the new mold and look of the Cardinals this year.  We've been dumping the elders and getting younger, and this is in the same ballpark (pun intended).  Izzy has been fine this year, but if Chris Perez is still looking like he can handle the job I'm fine with the trade.  If we're on pace to win 115 games and make a big playoff run, then I may change my tune a little bit.  Otherwise, it's a good idea.

I am wondering how you plan to trade a guy with  no trade clause and who has said repeatedly that he won't waive it.

We all know money talks, not to mention if he were serious about winning another WS then he would be stupid not play for a team contending.  I like pipe's attitude though, he is in on the best team in baseball right now.

skywlkr2 your are absolutely correct on the no trade clause he will not wave it.  he does not want to leave here.. Izzy was born and raised in  Brighton IL, went to college in southern IL and now live outside of edwardsville.  i dont see him leaving anytime soon.  on top of that he is a huge hunter and where better to hunt than IL 

sign him for next year bring perez up in 09 and let him learn from one of the best for another year or 2 depending on Izzy's health. 

why are we even talking about trading a guy who has been lights out 6 games 5 saves 7K and only 3 hits allowed and a 0.00 era