This is true, which is why I think it could screw the Cards if he leaves. It's apparent re-signing him is going to be a priority, and even if he does leave, it will likely drag on until January. It could be much like the Houston/Beltran situation a few years ago. the cards are in pretty good shape next year money-wise: pujols 16M carp 14.5M lohse 8.875M molina 4.25M wainwright 4.65M franklin 2.75M (option but obviously will be exercised) reyes 2M that's 53M in commitments. glaus and greene (bad contracts) are off the books. pineiro's contract is up; he might be pricing himself out of their range (sorry dave duncan, looks like you might be TOO good at your job). rasmus will be back in CF for free. ankiel is almost certainly gone. ludwick is due a nice raise in arbitration. i think they can compete for holliday with the red sox/yanks if they're going after him, but i don't think they can keep holliday and ludwick long term. derosa will probably do something like 2 years, 16M - nobody will go real long term with him but he can cash in and get a nice raise from what he's been making the last 3 years.