The Cardinals have a number of free agent concerns this off season and most people center their discussion on Matt Holliday.

I agree that Holliday's signing would become a valuable addition to the free agent mix, but I believe Mark DeRosa has more value to the Cardinals.

So I say, sign the guy first, then worry about Holliday and others.

DeRosa can play various positions including third base and left field. He provides protection for the Cardinals in left if Holliday doesn't sign. They also have prospects at third including David Freeze

DeRosa is a good player and a gamer. I still cannot believe the Braves and Cubs both traded the guy. He used to kill the Cardinals when he was in the opposition uniform.

DeRosa requires wrist surgery. That's fine, let him have the surgery and take a chance he can return in good health. The Cardinals took a similar risk with a pitcher named Chris Carpenter and that result worked well.