Debating the Edmonds Deal with the two guys on my shoulder

"When you look at Jim Edmonds' contribution to this organization over the last eight years, it really became clear when you look at what he's done for us, relative to what we were going to get back in something like this -- on the surface it doesn't make a lot of sense," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said on Saturday, following the announcement that Hall of Fame centerfielder Jim Edmonds had been dealt to San Diego, along with 1.5 million dollars, for a single A infielder named David Freese.

You're right, Mr. Mozeliak. It doesn't make much sense. And my initial reaction was to absolutely blast you in a very unforgiving manner. In fact, I went so far as to write an entire blog that made you out to be somebody with about as much sense as Jamaal Tinsley.

But then I did some research, right before posting, and maybe I am beginning to understand. Not sold yet, Mr. GM. You're not Walt Jocketty after all. BUT, maybe I see your side.

Here's a snipet of my original blog:

"Semosportsweb to the St. Louis Cardinals front office: What the hell is going on?

Ok, I can't speak for my fellow teammates here at the website, but I'll speak for myself when I ask that question. What the hell is going on at Busch Stadium these days? Is there something in the water? Is John Mozeliak eating to many ballpark franks?

Let me see if I can understand this. And you guys feel free to tell me if I'm wrong. The Cardinals couldn't afford to pay David Eckstein, who's a far-cry better than the sappy love story that's taking place with Cesar Izturis, four million dollars. But they can afford to throw away a Hall of Fame centerfielder AND TWO MILLION DOLLARS for a single A ballplayer? WHAT?

What would I have done? I think I would've kept Edmonds and the money and plugged it towards a one year deal with Eckstein, thereby avoiding the Izturis disaster that is bound to be as bad, if not far worse than the Junior Spivey signing.

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But now I'm rethinking this entire thing. Maybe this trade does make sense. In fact, maybe it makes a hell of a lot of sense. It doesn't forgive the Izturis thing, but nothing ever will. However, it might be the start of a positive movement for a Cardinals club that is clearly, CLEARLY, in a rebuilding stage.

The bottom line: it frees up some money. Ridding itself of Edmond's contract is obvi-ously the incentive here. It's not like it frees us up to bid on an over-the-hill, cheating, lying, and eroding Roger Clemens when he decides to pull his typical Alex Rodriguez publicity stunt shortly after spring training. But it does free up some room.

Since the club is already rebuilding, and we know that staff ace Chris Carpenter is likely to miss most of the season and we also know that Mark Mulder might just be the nightmare we've all feared, then why not plug your outfield with the guys that are going to be there two years from now. Now seems like as good of time as any to start this entire turnover.

Chris Duncan, Rick Ankiel, Colby Rasmus, Skip Schumaker, and Ryan Ludwick are all major league ready. Perhaps none of them are going to WOW us with spectacular over-the-wall catches the way Edmonds might, but there is no denying that the Cardinal youth movement is ignited with excitement.

So I'll forgive you, Mr. GM. And I won't spit fire yet. And I'll be patient with our toddlers. But you're walking a thin line. And had Edmonds himself not requested and ok'd this deal, then it might be a different story.

But we want to like you. We really do. Please make it easy on us. No more of this Izturis crap. You probably already know this but Cardinal Nation doesn't take it well when the favorite pieces of our puzzle are shipped out of town.

And if you piss Scott Rolen off again, I'm gonna come at you like a spider monkey.