Gordon: Cards make sensible pitching trade Live
As expected, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak made a move to gain pitching protection.
But it wasn't the blockbuster some national media types proposed. Instead, he made a smaller move to bring veteran Justin Masterson from Cleveland for outfield prospect James Ramsey.
The Cardinals like Ramsey a lot, especially after he added more pop to his bat. But their outfield crowding kept him from even getting up to the Triple-A level this season. Thomas Pham's long-awaited breakthrough blocked Ramsey at one end of the pipeline and Charlie Tilson's rise pushed him from another.
Masterson will need some work to regain his old form, but he is coming into an excellent pitching environment. As a pending free agent, he may or may not extend his stay past this season -- depending on how his fares and how other Cardinals progress.
His arrival will allow the Cardinals to take their time with excitable Carlos Martinez, who in turn bolsters the bullpen.
Might the Cardinals still try to upgrade by moving Shelby Miller for a veteran like Jon Lester? Perhaps, but such a deal would not be quite so sensible. It appears other teams have a better shot at Lester.
Teams with top-end pitching want Oscar Taveras in the return package. Given the stunning decline in corner infield production for the Cardinals, moving out their top corner outfield prospect doesn't seem like a bright idea.
Here is how the Twitterverse reacted to this trade:
But it wasn't the blockbuster some national media types proposed. Instead, he made a smaller move to bring veteran Justin Masterson from Cleveland for outfield prospect James Ramsey.
The Cardinals like Ramsey a lot, especially after he added more pop to his bat. But their outfield crowding kept him from even getting up to the Triple-A level this season. Thomas Pham's long-awaited breakthrough blocked Ramsey at one end of the pipeline and Charlie Tilson's rise pushed him from another.
Masterson will need some work to regain his old form, but he is coming into an excellent pitching environment. As a pending free agent, he may or may not extend his stay past this season -- depending on how his fares and how other Cardinals progress.
His arrival will allow the Cardinals to take their time with excitable Carlos Martinez, who in turn bolsters the bullpen.
Might the Cardinals still try to upgrade by moving Shelby Miller for a veteran like Jon Lester? Perhaps, but such a deal would not be quite so sensible. It appears other teams have a better shot at Lester.
Teams with top-end pitching want Oscar Taveras in the return package. Given the stunning decline in corner infield production for the Cardinals, moving out their top corner outfield prospect doesn't seem like a bright idea.
Here is how the Twitterverse reacted to this trade:
St. Louis rotation, at this moment, in order: Joe Kelly, Shelby Miller, Adam Wainwright, Justin Masterson, Lance Lynn.
Jul. 30, 2014
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@cardinals This is fine enough move for a pitcher, I think. Masterson can lose 3-1 just as well as anybody else can. (Please start hitting.)
Jul. 30, 2014
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Innings eater for a Double A outfielder that is blocked at the Triple A and big league level seems reasonable. #stlcards
Jul. 30, 2014
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Indians and Masterson were unable to agree on extension earlier this year. He's making $9.75M. Have to think he’s rental for #stlcards
Jul. 30, 2014
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The Masterson deal is in line with what people were saying: Mo wasn't going to go too crazy for Price or Lester. #stlcards
Jul. 30, 2014
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I'm told Masterson acquisition does not necessarily take Cardinals out of the Jon Lester sweepstakes.
Jul. 30, 2014
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Trade for Masterson still leaves #STLCards in position for Lester or August run at Cliff Lee. STL interest in Lee noted by @JSalisburyCSN.
Jul. 30, 2014
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#RedSox in discussions on a deal that would end Jon Lester to the #Orioles sources from both teams say. Would return a pitcher
Jul. 30, 2014
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From everything I can glean Orioles aren't close to Lester deal. Was told they didn't want to send top prospects there/anywhere. We'll see
Jul. 30, 2014
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One executive said this about #STLCards' interest in Lee: "I feel like they've been chasing him for years."
Jul. 30, 2014
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The #STLCards will have 7 starters if Wacha returns in September. And yes, they still want that big fish.
Jul. 30, 2014
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#Indians GM Chris Antonneti & Prez Mark Shapiro did great job in getting Ramsey. Special make-up player that will over achieve like Brantley
Jul. 30, 2014
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Masterson is a GB pitcher; change should help him. Indians infield minus 39 defensive runs saved; Cards infield plus 35 DRS.
Jul. 30, 2014
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Masterson's swing-miss rate is a career-best 24.8 percent, so I assume that means his stuff has some life.
Jul. 30, 2014
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Where does Masterson fit in Cards rotation? His FIP worse than Jaime Garcia’s and his shoulder was shot.
Jul. 30, 2014
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Masterson has been on DL since July 7 with knee injury but has made 2 rehab starts and was scheduled to pitch Friday for Indians. #stlcards
Jul. 30, 2014
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Jake Westbrook's ERA the partial season with CLE before the trade was 4.65. After joining #stlcards, 3.48.
Jul. 30, 2014
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On the other hand: Masterson's biggest problem is a 12.4 pct walk rate this season. His highest since 2009.
Jul. 30, 2014
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New #indians OF James Ramsey was a Rhodes Scholar nominee at FSU, so he brings extra IQ points to clubhouse.
Jul. 30, 2014
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