The Cardinals have
reached agreement with free agent shortstop Cesar Izturis on a one-year contract, industry sources confirmed Friday, suggesting that the club will sever ties with three-year incumbent and 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein.
My take: the one-year deal is just a bridge to get Brendan Ryan ready to take the roll for 2009. Ryan started 50 games for the Cardinals in 2007 (evenly split among 2B, SS, and 3B) and hit .289 in 180 ABs.