Jim Edmonds was traded to the Padres for David Freese... picked up $1 million of $8 million due... don't know what to think... Freese is a slightly above average prospect... Edmonds was one of my favorite Cardinals... hard to see meaning in this move... Rasmus starting '08 in center?... Edmonds will be sorely missed... done on same day as fan favorite Doug Weight was traded from the Blues... wished Jimmy could retire as Cardinal...
Sorry, I just need a few breaths.
OK. Jim Edmonds was indeed one of my favorite players as a Cardinal. I honestly expected to see him back to finish his contract and maybe career in St. Louis. Although his skills had declined, the character he brought to the clubhouse and the leadership he presented was evident in this club's darkest times - Darryl Kile and Josh Hancock. The evidence is displayed on his right wrist.
David Freese now holds the distinction for being the player that was traded for a fan favorite. I don't know if I could live with that on my shoulders. More analysis can be found on him at Future Redbirds.
I don't think this move should or is going to precede the signing of Mike Cameron or another center fielder. There isn't much out there tha would be better than in-house options other than Barry Bonds. I can't even fathom what type of PR it would be to replace Edmonds with Bonds. I don't think Barry is capable of manning the outfield.
The last hope is that this is in preparation of a trade. Allows the Cards to take on more salary (or perhaps pick up salary on Rolen). I don't know. My head is spinning.
I'll have a more fitting send-off for Jim Edmonds tomorrow. Good luck, Jimmy.
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