By: Tyler Ward
Even though the trade deadline is long past, deals are still being done and in a rather weird scenario, the Cincinnati Reds acquired outfielder Jim Edmonds from the Milwaukee Brewers for outfielder Chris Dickerson.
This move gives the Red significant help in the outfield, as they are hoping to head back to the playoffs for the first time since 1995. They are currently leading the NL Central, one game ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals for the division crown.
Manager Dusty Baker admitted that he will not use Edmonds in an everyday role, but will use him occasionally as a defensive help or in a pinch-hitter situation. Edmonds is embracing his new role and is incredibly happy to be part of a playoff contender. His former team, Milwaukee, is currently eleven games out of the division and are in third place. The Reds and Cardinals are in a two-team race for the division, and barring some massive choke, one if not both, will make the playoffs.
Edmonds said on Monday, "I don't know what to say. It's been a quick 24 hours. To go from kind of the bottom of the standings to the top in a hurry and show up here playing the Cardinals -- it's going to be a little nuts."
Reds general manager Walt Jocketty was part of the Cardinals organization from 1995 to 2007. Before this season, Jocketty signed Edmonds' former teammate, Scott Rolen, to a contract, who has been exceptional this season for the Reds.
The Reds ar ecurrently riding their young team into playoff contention with MVP candidate Joey Votto, second baseman Brandon Phillips, and outfielder Jay Bruce leading the offense. Edinson Volquez, Bronson Arroyo, and rookie Mike Leake have led a stable pitching staff, which has been one of the best in the league.
Edmonds did not play in the MLB last season and at one point, he didn't think he would return to the majors. However, teams expressed interest in him and he had that itch that he could definitely make a comeback. He wanted to return to the Cardinals, but instead, signed with the Brewers for $850,000. He can make another $1.75 million in bonuses. The recently injury-plagued outfielder is hoping he can add a formidable bat and exceptional outfielding to a contending Reds team with a few more months to play in the season.
In 73 games for the Brewers this season, Edmonds is batting .286 with eight home runs and twenty RBI. He is known most for his stint with the Cardinals, where he played from 2000-07. His best season came in 2004, when Edmonds blasted 42 home runs with 111 RBI and a hefty .301 batting average. He also hit 42 home runs his first season in St. Louis in 2000. In his stay with the Cardinals, he was also elected to three All-Star games.
Dusty Baker said of Edmonds, "He's somebody that can probably contribute a couple days a week and somebody that can tutor the young outfielders. He can still play."
To make room for Edmonds on the roster, the Reds had to option pitcher Travis Wood to the minors.
