<H4>Hot stove league</H4>

Enough politics for now. It’s time to talk baseball.

My beloved Cardinals got to their first World Series in the Tony LaRussa era, then fell flat on their faces.

(My theory is that Tony gets too wound up in tight postseason situations, kind of like current Carolina Tar Heel hoops coach Roy Williams did at Kansas, but that’s another story.)

Anyway, it is clear the Cards need some more arms in the starting rotation.

So, trade for Randy Johnson?

I say yes, if — if the D-backs sign him to a contract extension beforehand.

I don’t want to trade for a one-year Johnson, certainly not if the D-backs want young up-and-comer Dan Haren.

Second, it’s time to re-sign Renteria. He’s the No. 1 priority. Matheny is possibly the second one. (If Tomy Womack is not re-signed at second, Placido Polanco could be landed in the free-agent market.)

But Renteria is not a $10 million a year shortstop, let alone $12 million. Certainly not on a six-year deal. I don’t care what Miguel Tejada got last year. I might give Renteria $10 mil per for four years, but no more.

Matheny? Still a good pitch caller, but getting old for a backstop at 34. Only sign him at a pay cut, and no more than two years plus an option. Yadier Molina’s ready to step up as the starter, otherwise.

Womack? Only re-sign him at no more than this last year. No more than two years.

John Mabry should be re-signed for about the same as he made this last year. He plays corner infield and outfield well enough, and has a left-handed bat.

Matt Morris? Nice guy, but let him walk. IMO, he needs or will need shoulder surgery. That’s the only thing I can think of to explain his slowly disappearing fastball speed.

Woody Williams? A cheap one-year plus option deal would be OK. Otherwise, let him go, too.

Steve Kline? A lefty spot reliever is always good to have. However, he’s pretty much a one-out guy. The Birds should let him walk if he gets pricey.

New guys

I think the Cards should take a serious look at Pavano. That’s whether or not they can swing a trade for the Unit.