Andy Pettitte wasn't the only free agent who took most of the winter to make a career decision. Jim Edmonds was going back and forth between returning and retiring as well, but news is out now that he's inked a minor league contract with St. Louis.
Jim Edmonds Is Back With The Cardinals, Sort Of
Because it’s a minor league contract, there’s little commitment, but one figures that Edmonds has an excellent chance of breaking camp with the team provided he doesn’t get hurt. In what role, exactly, we can’t say, but the man slugged .504 last season, and that’s a bat you’d like to keep around.
Edmonds, of course, spent eight seasons with the Cardinals earlier in his career before leaving on slightly bitter terms, and it was with the Cardinals that he had the most success. His prime seems so distant now, but you look at Edmonds' career numbers and you can't help but be impressed. Not only has Edmonds spent the bulk of his career in center field; he's posted a .903 OPS, good for a 132 OPS+ that ties him with Tony Gwynn and Joe Morgan. He's 92nd all-time in WAR, between Gwynn and Ivan Rodriguez. In no small part because of his injury problems, Edmonds has gone by largely underappreciated, but it says something that, even now, he's a good bet to get a job with a contender.
Jim Edmonds’ body can’t do what it used to do these days. While he may not be at the end of the road just yet, he isn’t far off. With that said, though, this is a guy who’s slugged .460 since turning 36. He used to be great, he’s still pretty good, and you should try to appreciate this player while you still have the chance. Talents like this are few and far between.
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