Colby Rasmus Traded To Blue Jays In Monster Deal

But before the Blue Jays came up with the winning offer, the Cardinals fielded a number of offers from other teams, and Jon Heyman has details on one of them:

Jeff Niemann would’ve provided the desired rotation boost, while J.P. Howell would’ve provided the desired bullpen boost. Niemann is also under team control through 2014, while Howell is under team control through 2012. But the Cardinals didn’t think this was enough, and well, that’s their decision. Assuming this is even true. It’s probably true, but it could easily be false.

Toronto flipping Jackson to St. Louis for Rasmus has been the Wednesday rumor. What was not clear was that the whole package would be so underwhelming.

But, in Rasmus, we’re talking about one of the premier young outfield talents in baseball. If this trade goes down - which is not guaranteed, but which is overwhelmingly likely - the Cardinals will truly be selling low.

Whatever you think about the Cardinals and their relationship with Rasmus, it’s become crystal clear that Tony La Russa isn’t ever going to become the President (or even Chief Bottle Washer) of the Colby Rasmus Fan Club. Of course it’s not helping the situation, that Rasmus has gotten progressively worse with each month this season, after a strong April.

So if management really wants to trade for pitching, the obvious move is trading one of the center fielders. And perhaps trading the one who’s not in the manager’s doghouse, even if he’s the younger and (probably) more talented of the two.