News reports out of St. Louis have the Cardinals shipping gold glove center fielder Jim Edmonds to the San Diego Padres for minor league third basemen David Freese. Cash is also reportedly part of the deal but there's no word how much will change hands. This is essentially a salary dump for the Cardinals, however it was reported earlier this week that the Padres would only be interested if the Cardinals paid a portion of the $8 million owed to Edmonds for the final year of his contract.
The move also allows (or forces) the Cardinals to become younger in a hurry. With Edmonds gone, the Cards' outfield will likely consist of Chis Duncan, Rick Ankiel, and either Rule 5 draftee Brian Barton or highly touted prospect Colby Rasmus.
Update: Looks like it's a done deal. The Post Dispatch now has the story but still no word on how much cash is changing hands. If it's much more than 1 million I think the Cardinals lost big on this one.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
The Cardinals made a mistake giving Edmonds a two year contract and now they’re paying for it. But other than adding payroll flexibility to sign a number one pitcher (if they do) I don’t see this improving the team.
Great move at this time, Edmonds was going to retire after this year anyway, so he says,and gold glove outfielder yes, but can’t hit anymore. Not sure what they got in return is good, won’t know for about 4 to 5 years but…. good money move, now maybe can add another quality pitcher, and bring up Rasmus, potentially going to be a gold glover, we’ll see.
Not only did the Cards rid themselves of Edmonds contract to sit on the bench, they inquire a viable option for 3B should LaRussa and Rolen not get along.
i agree. this smells like a move to clear space…but for who?? i always liked Edmunds but if the Cards want to win again it was definitely time for him to move on.
I’m ok with this move. Frees up money, allows youngsters to play and platoon and gives us a chance to sign a pitcher.
Also, I believe a Rolen deal is next.
@ Tom, I’ve sort of accepted that this type of an off season is necessary and after looking at Jimmy’s stats last year, I think I like the move quite a bit more. It’s tough to imagine that our youngsters (Skip, Ludwick, and Barton) couldn’t provide the same if not better production and they’ll do it for a hell of a lot less. Plus it will give them more playing time and experience which we’ll be better for in the long run.
However, I’m not sure that a Rolen move would be the same type of thing. We don’t have a big prospect waiting in the wings over at third unless we’re going to transform Ryan and I’d much rather see him at short in a year.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is not happening! Not Edmonds (the future hall of famer) going to the Padres!
He may be a future hall of famer (emphasis on MAYBE) but he absolutely sucked last year and wasn’t all that great in 06.
i dont think Edmunds has any shot at getting into the Hall. a very good career…but unfortunately in the Roids era, his numbers aren’t Hall worthy.
It will be interesting to see how Tony manages a team this heavily loaded with young players.
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