Article Written By: Manny Alcala
It’s official, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have swapped speedy outfielder, Peter Bourjos, to the Cardinals for 2011 postseason hero, David Freese. The trade is a four player deal, the right handed reliever Fernando Salas will head to the Angels along with Freese, while the Cardinals acquired outfield prospect Randal Grichuk to come along with Bourjos.
What do the Cardinals gain?
Peter Bourjos’ primary weapon is speed and plenty of it. In the 2011 season Bourjos showed his potential by stealing 22 bases, hitting 11 triples and 12 home runs, all career highs. He is also very good defensibly, his speed helps him chase down fly balls that your average outfielder can’t get to and he appears to be fearless when it comes to running into the outfield walls. Although injuries have nagged him recently, the Cardinals and their fans are hoping he stays healthy and that a change of scenery helps him improve his game.
What do the Angels gain?
David Freese’s numbers aren’t very eye popping. In his best offensive year (2012) he hit for a .293 batting average and smacked 20 home runs, but one could argue that he had a better year in 2011 because of the amazing hot streak that he got on in the postseason and carried the St. Louis Cardinals to their 11th World Series title. Freese went on to win NLCS and World Series MVP setting an MLB record 21 runs batted in throughout the postseason. Even though Freese had a down year last season, he is a bona fide third baseman that has the ability to be a leader of a team.
Conclusion
It will be interesting to see how this trade plays out for both of these teams, both players are very talented and capable of doing great things with each of their clubs. This trade could very well be one that benefits both teams, but only time will tell.