Cards Ryan Ludwick to Braves?

It’s not inconceivable the Cardinals trade Ryan Ludwick before he reaches free agency. However, it would appear the Cardinals could find better value this winter than at the trading deadline. Unless a match could occur with a pitching-heavy team like Atlanta, what contender is going to move a core piece at this time of the season? Does a player like Ludwick, approaching his final arbitration year and sure to cost more than $7 million next season, help a rebuilding club? Not unless such a club immediately signs him to an extension. The timing appears wrong for a Ludwick trade. — St. Louis Post-Dispatch