Report: Cardinals set high price on Brendan Donovan and are in no rush to trade him

As rumor swirls around Brendan Donovan, the St. Louis Cardinals are biding their time on the trade market. Although multiple teams throughout the league have inquired about the versatile All-Star, it's become clear that the Cardinals are definitely not shopping him. Instead, they are biding their time for an offer that truly respects his worth and how much he means to the franchise.It is an intentional stance that has frustrated potential discussions, but it is one that speaks to a front office at ease with where it stands. Since Donovan is under team control for several more years and coming off one of his best seasons, St. Louis doesn’t feel compelled to jump at an offer that does not greatly amplify its ability to contend down the line.Flexibility is a major plus for Donovan inthe Cardinals' system. Brendan Donovan proves his value by offering the Cardinals the flexibility to play multiple positions with them, and he consistently produces at the plate with a solid on-base tool. That versatility is something that has attracted the interest of several contenders, but the Cardinals' asking price is said to be significant.League sources say the Cardinals are demanding premium pitching or multiple controllable prospects in such a deal. The front office does not see Donovan as expendable, but rather a player that could still be part of the team’s new competitive core. His price tag, his versatility, and leadership serve to only make that a stronger position.The way the Cardinals are handling Donovan is part of a broader organizational philosophy. With a disappointing season already in the books, the club has taken its time to reshape rather than aggressively respond to it. Veterans have already been shuffled out in recent months, but the front office has bristled at trading pieces it views as foundational.There is flexibility in keeping Donovan as well. Start the season well, and he's an important part of it. If they fall out of contention, he becomes an even more desirable trade chip on deadline day, when demand can spike, and prices tend to rise.