Before the New Year the Cardinals made another big move when they traded Gold Glove center fielder Jim Edmonds to the San Diego Padres for minor league third baseman John Freese. Again, this was a move that had to be made from the Cardinals’ point of view. Edmonds had suffered several injuries recently, including a very bad concussion, and the Cardinals front office had actually talked about using him on a part-time basis, possibly even in right field. They had too much money tied up in Edmonds to be using him as a reserve outfielder, so they moved him and cash considerations to the Padres. The player they got in return, Freese, is by no means a top prospect. He hit .302 with 17 home runs and 98 RBI in single A ball last year, but did so at age 24, a little old to be playing at class A and be considered a prospect. But John Freese could turn out to be a pleasant surprise someday down the line, if nothing else he provides some depth in the farm system. Perhaps the most significant part of this trade, however, is that it leaves an opening for the Cardinals’ top prospect, outfielder Colby Rasmus, to step in and contribute this year. Rasmus may not make the team coming out of spring training, but if he continues to improve as he has over the last few years he will be the starting center fielder in
St. Louis at some point this upcoming season. While Cardinals fans will miss Jim Edmonds highlight reel plays in center, they should also be very excited about getting the chance to see one of the top outfield prospects in all of baseball in action this season.
