December 2, 2008 Russ Springer is likely done in St. Louis as the team declined to offer him salary arbitration, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. GM John Mozeliak said, "Obviously, Russ did a great job for us the past two years. But one place we do have plenty of depth is on the right side of the bullpen. Up until this point we haven't been able to address any of our glaring needs, and right now those remain our priority."
Our View:Springer held a strong 1.13 WHIP over 50.1 innings of relief for the Cardinals in 2008, but the club wants to focus on adding some solid lefties for the bullpen, as well as upgrading their middle infield.
December 1, 2008 The Cardinals will not offer arbitration to reliever Russ Springer, according to MLB.com.
Our View:The Houston Atros have said to have interest in the Springer but retirement might be an option also.
November 30, 2008 The Astros have displayed interest in Russ Springer, according to their official team website.
Our View:Springer qualifies as a Type-A free agent, so if the Cardinals offer him arbitration and he declines, the Astros will likely not pursue him unless they want to lose their draft picks.
November 17, 2008 In an effort to shore up their middle relief, the Philadelphia Phillies are said to be looking at hurlers Juan Cruz, Doug Brocail and Russ Springer, according to MLB.com.
Our View:Springer was a solid performer out of the bullpen for St. Louis. He can't go much longer than one inning, but he did post a 1.13 WHIP and 2.32 ERA with a 8.05 K/9 rate in 50.1 innings. He may be the least expensive option of the trio.
October 18, 2008 Russ Springer has decided he would like to play again next season, and a return to the Cardinals would be his preference, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:The 40-year-old Springer was contemplating retirement, but has decided to resume mound duties. He was very good for St. Louis last year, posting a 2.32 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. His fantasy value was, and will continue to be limited to leagues that use holds.
