Kyle Lohse

I'm of two minds regarding the Cardinals signing Kyle Lohse to a 4-year $41 million contract.

On one hand - every contending team needs a number 3 starter who can give you 200 IP. Lohse can be that guy.

On the other hand - they gave him a full no trade clause.

Sure Lohse probably signed the contract in the first place for family financial security reasons and because he likes it in St. Louis. The no-trade was the price to pay. There's nothing to say the Cardinals won't be able to get Lohse to waive that clause if things go South. Lohse has pitched over 170 innings in five of the past six years so I'm guessing it's not a bad news.

The Rundown has a more detail look at the move. His feelings seem to be similar to mine - "Meh - not a bad move but nothing to get excited about."

Lohse is like a decent house salad. Nothing to get excited about - it doesn't make the meal but it's a necessary part of a healthy dining experience. (Possibly the worst analogy I've ever made in this space.)