It appears that Colorado Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday won’t be heading to the St. Louis Cardinals in the foreseeable future as a potential deal between the two clubs is dead.
Mozeliak did not discuss specifics of his talks with the Rockies. However, Cardinals right fielder Ryan Ludwick remained a central name within the talks until their apparent breakdown. Misgivings existed within some quarters of the organization about committing multiple players for Holliday, who is eligible for free agency after next season while the arbitration-eligible Ludwick will make considerably less than Holliday’s $13.5 million in 2009.
Fox Sports reported Friday that the Rockies also sought outfielder Skip Schumaker and righthander Mitchell Boggs, who currently ranks as the organization’s top starting pitcher at Class AAA.
Mozeliak did not disclose what caused a breakdown in talks, but a source familiar with the process said the Cardinals GM balked at the player package rather than salary concerns.
The source also indicated he believed it possible the parties could resurrect talks in upcoming weeks.
This will be the main issue regarding Holliday this offseason. The Rockies want to get fair value for their best hitter, but teams trying to acquire him don’t want to sell the farm because they know Holliday might be a goner after the year because his contract is up. Eventually the Rockies might have to settle for less, which is a shame considering Holliday’s immense talent.
