Cardinals News – Lohse, Berkman Not Expected Back in 2013

Cardinals newsSt. Louis Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse  finished the regular season with a  2.86 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 33 starts (211 innings), but that won’t be enough to bring the 34-year-old right-hander back to St. Louis.

GM John Mozeliak said the team is “unlikely” to bring back Lohse, who should garner lots of attention on the open market after the World Series ends.

The 34-year-old recently told Fox Sports Midwest he felt his exit from St. Louis was inevitable, but that he’s hopeful to sign with a winning organization. The report suggests he could command a deal of around 4 years at $15 million per year.

“I can’t do anything until the World Series is over,” said Lohse. “We’ll see what offers are out there. There are certain places I’d like to go and certain places I probably wouldn’t. There will be some big decisions coming up, and we’ll see how it plays out. ”

The Cardinals have a number of young power arms prospects including,  Lance LynnJoe KellyTrevor Rosenthal or Shelby Miller, who will compete for a starting job in the Cardinals rotation next spring.

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Skip Schumaker is not considered an option at second base for the Cardinals next season. Daniel Descalso became the Cardinals’ starter at second base down the stretch this summer. The team has asked Matt Carpenter to work on his defense at second base throughout this off-season. Carpenter had a 294/.365/.463 slash line in 340 plate appearances this season.

Mozeliak also confirmed that it is unlikely that veteran Lance Berkman would return next season. Berkman is said to be considering retirement. Based on his recent statement about the American League it’s not likely he would find any suitors there.

Jaime Garcia is not expected to need shoulder surgery.  “The probability of (Garcia) having surgery is very remote or small at this point,” Mozeliak said