Tony La Russa said Oct. 1 that if he returned for a 13th season as manager, he would lobby aggressively against trading left fielder Chris Duncan. But Duncan almost certainly would have value to an American League team with a void at designated hitter or first base, Duncan's natural position.
If Duncan could help land a starting pitcher, the Cardinals could turn to free agency for a hitter where the talent pool is deeper.
La Russa Doesn't Want Duncan Traded To AL