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Last week I wrote that Carlos Ruiz could be a good trade candidate after we see where catcher Russell Martin signed. I also wrote a couple days ago about what would happen to trade candidate Marlon Byrd as teams begin to fill holes with other players. For both Marlon Byrd and Carlos Ruiz, things changed this afternoon as two surprise moves very much could affect both players.
Russell Martin Signs With The Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays did not seem to figure in Martin's plans. The Los Angeles Dodgers wanted him, the Chicago Cubs wanted him, as did the Pittsburgh Pirates. While all three teams would have been a nice fit, I did not consider one possibility: Martin signing in his home country of Canada. The Blue Jays gave Martin a McCann-esque five-year, $82 million contract. The Blue Jays sort of pieced their way through the backstop position in 2013 and Martin is a clear upgrade.
This now leaves three teams that could use Ruiz's services as a veteran backstop who can work with young pitchers and show leadership. Also on the trade market could be veteran catcher Miguel Montero, who is signed for three more seasons at $40 million. If one of the three teams fill their catching void by trading for Montero, there are still two potential destinations for Ruiz. Perhaps the Cubs would take Ruiz and Hamels in a package deal.
The Cardinals Acquire Jason Heyward From The Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves were facing a decision from their hometown player in Jason Heyward, who is just one year shy of free agency. Heyward has not lived up to his full promise as a major leaguer, if his lofty expectations were a measure, and the Braves sent him to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitcher Shelby Miller. Heyward will fill the void (physical, not emotional, of course) left in right field for the Cardinals from the untimely death of promising young player Oscar Tavares.
The Cardinals were seen by some, including David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News, as a favorite to land Marlon Byrd. While it appeared that the Cardinals were in need of a right-handed bat, with lefties Jon Jay, Kolten Wong, Matt Carpenter, and Matt Adams already in the lineup. With the Cardinals one potential suitor is down. But, the Braves could take away even one more.
The Braves may be focused on rebuilding for the future now, rather than looking to fill holes for 2015. The trade of Heyward could open an outfield spot for catcher Evan Gattis, who will lose his starting catchers' job to Christian Bethancourt. Not one, but two Uptons may be moved. B.J. Upton has been a terrible waste of a roster spot since signing a five-year, $75 million contract two years ago. Justin Upton is a right-handed outfield bat that could also be available since the rebuild has begun. As we saw with the Wren family, when the Braves lose one family member, the others must go (Dismissed GM Frank Wren saw his brother fired and his son traded after he was let go).
Meanwhile, we wait for the outcome of the Yasmany Tomas free agent competition.
