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12/19/2004: Some Hot Stove League content....
The word this morning (or, to judge from the date-time stamp on the email that informed me of the deal, yesterday evening) is that the Cardinals concluded a deal with the Oakland A's that sends A's pitcher Mark Mulder to St. Louis in return for pitchers Danny Haren and Kiko Calero and catching prospect Daric Bolton. And just as important (IMHO, but not nearly as sexy), the Cardinals re-signed left handed reliever Ray King to a two-year contract with a club option for 2007.
And over at The Cardinals Birdhouse, Rex "The Wonder Dog" Duncan uses the loss of Edgar Renteria to reflect on the concept of team loyalty, and on a player who personifies it:
In the doldrums of Renteria’s departure though, we should also recognize a Cardinal who has pushed the envelope of team loyalty and in doing so has endeared himself to the entirety of Cardinal Nation. If anyone on this team has rightfully immersed himself in the affection, respect, and admiration of Cardinal fans, it is Jim Edmonds. He has, I believe, done more as a player to make and keep this team competitive through his example on the field, in the locker room, and in the front office than anyone else on this team. He has spoken publicly mainly with his legendary glove and a bat that can uppercut a high fastball in the blink of an eye.
Too often during times of adversity such as we find ourselves in now, human nature demands that we curse the darkness rather than look for the light. If you find yourself with a darkened perspective on Cardinal baseball right now, let Edmonds’ example relight your fires. We are so fortunate to have him on this team that as you think about all he has done, I can almost guarantee that you will forget about Edgar Whatshisname.
Len on 12.19.04 @ 11:54 AM CST
