Possible Philly/St. Louis trade

[Win1ForMe]

I found this on the Phillies ESPN team page:

According to the Bucks County Courier Times, the Phillies and Cardinals are talking about a four-player trade (http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/102-07082004-328316.html) that would send Kevin Millwood (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5848) and second baseman Placido Polanco (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6049) to St. Louis for Matt Morris (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5784) and left-handed reliever Steve Kline (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5778). Philadelphia has been exploring ways to upgrade its rotation and add depth to an overworked bullpen. Morris would replace Millwood as Philadelphia's staff ace, while Kline would add depth to the backend of the bullpen.
Don't really see why the Cardinals would make that trade as Morris > Millwood.

[Aidan]

Here is the source article...

"Phils talk trade with Cardinals"
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/102-07082004-328316.html
Don't really see why the Cardinals would make that trade as Morris > Millwood.I just heard this rumored trade on ESPN1000. I don't understand why the Cards would make this trade either. I know Kline and LaRussa hate each other but Tony Womack and Marlon Anderson have both been good at 2B for them. Why would they want Placido Polanco? Also, Morris is a better pitcher than Millwood.

EDIT: According to the article I posted above, LaRussa really likes Polanco for his glove. He also wants to get rid of Kline for his middle finger stunt. Since Chase Utley has been pretty good offensively for the Phillies at 2B, they feel they need bullpen help (Kline) more than Polanco's glove.

[DSpivack]

The Cardinals are worried over Morris' lack of success this season, as well as his loss of velocity. However, trading away a quality reliever [which they need] for a 2B/UT [which they don't] is still not a smart move in my mind. Some other Morris/Millwood combination might make sense, however.

[CubKilla]

I found this on the Phillies ESPN team page:


Don't really see why the Cardinals would make that trade as Morris > Millwood.
Morris is a FA at the end of the season. Millwood just signed a 3 yr (?) contract this offseason IIRC.

[munchman33]

Morris is a FA at the end of the season. Millwood just signed a 3 yr (?) contract this offseason IIRC.
No, he accepted arbitration.

[Aidan]

Apparently, it is a combination of a few things. First, LaRussa is pissed at Kline for his middle finger stunt. Second, LaRussa loves Polanco for his glove. Finally, both Morris and Millwood are free agents after this season and Millwood has said he would love to play for St. Louis. Morris has been disappointing and will probably leave to free agency. They could probably resign Millwood. I don't understand why they would want Polanco other than his glove though. Womack has been great at 2B even though he can really only throw sidearm after his surgery. His bat has been red-hot and he can steal bases. If the Cards traded Morris and Kline for Millwood and Jason Michaels or Ricky Ledee it would make a bit more sense since Lankford and Mabry can only hit righties.