Rolen to Toronto

The Cardinals and Bluejays have agreed on a trade that would swap their third basemen.  Pending physicals, Toronto will get seven time gold-glover, Scott Rolen, along with cash.  St. Louis gets Troy Glaus, a 31 year old, right-handed hitting third baseman.  Foxsports first broke this story.

The ongoing feud between Rolen and Tony La Russa has already been beaten to death.  This trade would clear the disgruntled Rolen, as well as bring in a legitimate right-handed power bat, something Mozeliak has been clamoring for.

Glaus, when healthy, has put up impressive power numbers, hitting 30 or more home runs five times in his career, including an AL leading 47 in 2000.  He’s a career .254 hitter and a four time All Star, but a lesser defender than Rolen. It’s also been reported that he received shipments of performance enhancing drugs from a Florida pharmacy.  That story is here.  Glaus is signed for $12.75 million in ’08, with an $11.25 million option for ’09.

I’ll miss Scotty.  He was my favorite Cardinal, and I love the way he plays the game.  I guess I’ll have to retire my two Rolen jerseys.  On the other hand, at least the Cards are getting a proven commodity in return, unlike the Edmonds trade.  And, it’s not like there’s a top prospect hanging around waiting to play third for the Redbirds.  Well, the ball club sure is looking different this year.  I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.