News of the Josh Donaldson signing broke during Rick Hummel's live chat with Cardinals fans on Monday, followed by a blitz of questions about why the Cards didn't make the move. Here is Commish's reply:

The Braves just signed free-agent third baseman Josh Donaldson to a one-year, $23 million contract, and many are asking why the Cardinals didn't do this. Some reasons why:

• He is going to be 33 next season and missed two-thirds of this season with calf and shoulder injuries.

• He is not a lefthanded hitter.

• Nobody on the Cardinals should make more money than Yadier Molina, unless Bryce Harper is signed.

• Donaldson never has played in the National League. There is an adjustment period.

• Donaldson had one single and one walk for Cleveland in three playoff games. That is why the Indians acquired him — the playoffs.

Follow-up reader question: You pointed out the risks of signing Donaldson. Seems there is risk associated with Harper and Goldschmidt, also. Harper might never reach his potential and his career could look like his recent, lesser years. Goldschmidt might sign elsewhere after next year. Do you see the Donaldson risk as significantly greater than the Harper or Goldschmidt risk?

COMMISH: I see the Donaldson risk as greater right now because the other two players play every day and Donaldson missed two-thirds of the season this year and is older than either of the others. That's on a one-year basis, mind you, because the others would be here longer in all likelihood.

In short, I really didn't see Donaldson as the answer to any of the Cardinals' questions.