As I noted on Twitter last night, the Cardinals have signed former star (and former Cub – or have you already suppressed that memory?) Jim Edmonds to a minor league deal. Could he be their Augie Ojeda?
“We had been talking for a little over a month and it got to a point where we thought it made sense to make an offer,” said general manager John Mozeliak. “We’re excited to give him this opportunity.”
Edmonds hit .276 in 86 games with the Brewers and Reds in 2010, hitting 11 home runs and driving in 23 runs after sitting out the 2009 season. He initially talked to the Cardinals about joining them last year but decided to sign with Milwaukee when the Cardinals couldn’t guarantee him enough playing time.
But things appear to be different this time around as Edmonds knows he would be competing for a bench spot with Matt Holliday, Colby Rasmus and Lance Berkman figuring to see the bulk of the playing time in the outfield.
The Cardinals have not seen Edmonds hit or work out this offseason but took his word that he is physically ready to compete for a spot on the roster. FoxSports.
And yet the Cubs were unwilling to take my word that I was physically ready to compete for a spot on the roster. Harumph.
I joke about the Cubs bringing back so many familiar faces on minor league deals, but the differences here are (1) Edmonds was once a star, not a role-player, and (2) the Cardinals have voodoo magic. It would be far from surprising to see Edmonds win a bench spot and actually contribute this season, despite his age.