The OP was sarcasm. These are huge downgrades. They announce this trade the same day they announce they won't retain Grudz and Reggie. The Cardinals website says these are starting caliber replacements at second base and outfield. That is a joke unless we want to compete with the Pirates and Reds for last place!
They were supposed to be loading up for the initial season at the new stadium. Walt has really taken a vacation this offseason. He supposedly had interest in Brian Giles but wanted his primary concern to be AJ. We still have primary needs at second base, relief pitching and two outfielders.
I agree in the decisions not to sign AJ and Giles. Those contracts were too expensive for those players. AJ is injured too often and Giles is on the downside of a good career.
I think Walt has let too many middle of the road free agents get away and lost out on many potential trades. Some players that have slipped away include Brad Wilkerson, Juan Pierre, Sean Casey, Jim Thome, Alfonso Soriano, etc. Although the first basemen may not make sense as Pujols may not be able to move back to the outfield with his bad legs.
A link to a good Cardinals forum is
HERE!
Thank you,
Jim Kuhn
Catfish4u
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