Yeah, the Stampede probably would be a good pick. IF that ESC can do Lipo (has an auto-cutoff),and I think it does, then I'd say yea to it. And would use that remaining $100 to get that charger and two Lipos from HPz. They're in stock and ship out of LA, get it in a few days. But yer right, too, the XL-5 would have no problem with NiMhs.
Zarnold, for future reference, when you do go brushless, only use Lipo batteries. Trust me. So you see, I'm suggesting you invest in Lipo now, so you will have them when you switch to Brushless later. That way you don't have several Nimhs lying around that you shouldn't use with you new brushless system, or you run the risk of damaging your ESC, and certainly will kill the Nimhs in the end anyway. Do yourself a favor: Buy Lipo and a Lipo charger now. Use what comes in the box till the new ones get there, then pitch the old stuff in the bin.