forsch31 wrote: The Cardinals are currently in a great position, salary wise. They have over $57 million in expiring contracts to possible free agents after this season. These are Beltran, Carpenter, Westbrook, Wainwright, Furcal, Mujica and Cedeno.

I would guess that Beltran, Carpenter Westbrook and Furcal will not be back. Cedeno is one that I hope would not be back. Even if Wainwright was re-signed for $20 million and Mujica is re-signed for a little more, I think the payroll will drop by over $20 million next year. This is even after some raises to players like Freese, Jay and a few others.

After 2014, Motte and Wigginton can be free agents. After 2015, Garcia (2016 option), Freese, Choate, Boggs and Rzepczynski can be free agents. After 2015, Holliday (2017 option), Jay, Salas, Craig and Descalso can be free agents.

Last week, I illustrated how the Cardinals could drop their payroll to $75 million next season without releasing or trading anyone and still have what appears to be a competitive team. Though I did not say it directly, it becomes pretty obvious that Wainwright's salary could be accommodated.

It does not mean I think the Cards should do that and I do not believe Wainwright should be overpaid. However, all of us will have different views as to what "overpaid" means. Besides, since we have no idea what the Cards are offering or what Wainwright expects, there is no way to assess which side may be appear to be more or less reasonable than the other right now.