After three years of trade rumors, Angels general manager Bill Stoneman emphatically announced that he had no intention of trading Jim Edmonds. Four days later, on March 23, 2000, Edmonds became a St. Louis Cardinal in a deal that sent pitcher Kent Bottenfield and second base prospect Adam Kennedy to the Angels. “When we heard […]
How the Cardinals pulled off the Jim Edmonds trade Read More »
On March 17, 1969, the Cardinals traded a former National League MVP for a future one, sending first baseman Orlando Cepeda to the Braves for catcher and first baseman Joe Torre. The 29-year-old Torre’s departure from the Braves was no surprise. Since placing second to Billy Williams in the National League Rookie of the Year
Why the Cardinals traded Orlando Cepeda for Joe Torre Read More »
Before they even had a chance to play their first spring training game, the Cardinals’ road to the 2011 World Series became significantly more difficult. On February 24, 2011, the Cardinals officially announced that Adam Wainwright would require season-ending Tommy John surgery. “Not to be melodramatic, but you’re losing an ace,” general manager John Mozeliak
After just one season as a major-league starting pitcher, it was already becoming clear that Adam Wainwright was destined to become a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ starting rotation. On March 20, 2008, the Cardinals made it official, signing Wainwright to a four-year, $15 million contract extension with a two-year team option that ultimately made the
Cardinals sign Adam Wainwright to his first contract extension in 2008 Read More »
The Los Angeles Angels offered a starting job in a new franchise. In Milwaukee, where he had won the World Series in 1957, there was an offer to join the coaching staff. At age 38, however, Red Schoendienst was eager to return home to St. Louis. After receiving his unconditional release from Milwaukee and turning
Why Red Schoendienst returned to St. Louis in 1961 Read More »
With less than three weeks remaining before their March 31 season opener, the 2008 Cardinals were quickly running out of healthy starting pitchers. Mark Mulder was rehabbing from shoulder surgery. Chris Carpenter was working his way back from elbow surgery. Joel Pineiro was questionable with shoulder stiffness and Matt Clement had yet to pitch since
March 13, 2008: Cardinals sign Kyle Lohse Read More »
When Allen Craig signed a five-year, $31 million contract extension with the Cardinals ahead of the 2013 season, he appeared primed for a long career in the middle of the St. Louis lineup. Less than 17 months later, Craig was playing for the Red Sox and searching for a batting stroke he never was able
March 8, 2013: Cardinals sign Allen Craig to a five-year extension Read More »
In the days before free agency, the reserve clause gave baseball teams all the leverage in determining each player’s salary. Even the greatest Cardinal of them all, Stan Musial, wasn’t immune. On March 4, 1948, Musial ended a brief spring training holdout in which the two-time National League MVP sought a $5,000 raise from his
March 4, 1948: Stan Musial ends brief spring training holdout Read More »
Less than three months after the Cardinals lost Albert Pujols to free agency, they ensured that Yadier Molina remained a franchise cornerstone with a five-year, $75 million contract. “I’m happy to be a Cardinal for 5-6 more years,” Molina said. “This is a great organization. I grew up here, I feel good here. It was
March 1, 2012: Cardinals and Yadier Molina agree to a five-year contract extension Read More »
For years, Cardinals scouts had believed in Jose DeLeon’s potential. On February 9, 1988, the team gambled on that potential, trading center fielder Lance Johnson, left-handed pitcher Ricky Horton, and an estimated $100,000 to the White Sox to obtain the 27-year-old right-hander. Negotiations for the right-hander had begun back in back in November, but Cardinals
Why the Cardinals traded Horton and Johnson for Jose DeLeon Read More »