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Rays Acquire Tommy Pham

By Steve Adams | July 31, 2018 at 1:20pm CDT

10:25am: The Rays and Cardinals have announced the trade. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tweets that the Cardinals are sending $500K of international money to the Rays in the deal. St. Louis is barred from spending more than $300K on any single international signing anyhow, and they’ve already been using their international funds as currency in trades over the past few days.

9:51am: The Rays have struck a deal to acquire Tommy Pham from the Cardinals, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter). It’s not clear what other elements are in play, though Passan adds that Chris Archer is not involved in the trade. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times tweets that the Rays will send outfielder Justin Williams, left-hander Genesis Cabrera and right-hander Roel Ramirez to the Cardinals in exchange for Pham and international bonus allotments.

Tommy Pham | Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

While some may raise an eyebrow at the notion of the Rays adding pieces when they’re firmly out of both the AL East race and the AL Wild Card picture, Pham is controlled for another three seasons beyond the current campaign. Pham will be arbitration-eligible for the first time this offseason and is not eligible for free agency until after the 2021 season, making him an affordable long-term piece to help the Rays as they hope to move back into a contention with a young core built around Blake Snell, Jake Bauers, Willy Adames and others.

For the Cardinals, the trade serves as the latest in a roster shakeup that is approaching cataclysmic proportions. The Cards have designated Greg Holland and Tyler Lyons for assignment, traded Sam Tuivailala to the Mariners and are reportedly open to offers on Bud Norris and Jose Martinez. The Cardinals also sent minor league first baseman Luke Voit to the Yankees (along with international money) in order to acquire a pair of big league bullpen assets in Chasen Shreve and Giovanny Gallegos.

With Pham out of the picture in St. Louis, the Cards will create more opportunity for younger outfield options like Harrison Bader and Tyler O’Neill, though both Marcell Ozuna and Dexter Fowler remain on hand as high-priced, veteran options.

In Pham, the Rays are buying low on a player who has slumped over the past two months but looked to have broken out as one of the National League’s better all-around players in 2017 and in the early stages of the 2018 campaign. From the start of his season in 2017 to the end of May this year, Pham posted a sensational .296/.399/.506 with 32 homers and 33 steals through 734 plate appearances. He’s capable of playing all three outfield spots, though with Kevin Kiermaier serving as one of the game’s premier defenders in center, Pham’s home will likely be in an outfield corner. Of course, Kiermaier has also proven to be injury prone, and Pham provides some insurance in center during future seasons.

It’s worth noting that over the past two months, Pham’s output at the plate has plummeted. He’s posted just a .227/.292/.330 slash through his past 192 plate appearances, though his walk and strikeout rates have remained fairly constant in that time. Pham’s average on balls in play during that stretch is .278, though, and while that isn’t all that far below the league average, it’s considerably south of his career .339 mark. With a lifetime 40.6 percent hard-hit rate and a 22.1 percent line-drive rate, Pham has proven himself to be a hitter capable of sustaining a BABIP better than the league mean, so there’s some reason for the Rays to hope for a turnaround.

In return for Pham, the Cardinals will acquire a package of three prospects that, frankly, would’ve appeared underwhelming when Pham’s value was at its peak. It’s possible, of course, that St. Louis views Pham as an asset that is unlikely to rebound or is particularly high on one or more of the pieces coming over from Tampa Bay, but the package is lacking in the way of top-tier prospects.

Williams, 22, ranked as the Rays’ No. 14 prospect as of last week’s update from Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. He’s posted a .258/.313/.376 batting line in 386 plate appearances in his first exposure to Triple-A pitching this season, though he notched a more encouraging .301/.364/.489 slash in Double-A last season. MLB.com’s report praises his athleticism and gives him the potential for 20-plus homer pop, noting that his offensive abilities are still a bit raw but he could become a well-rounded player in an outfield corner.

Cabrera, 21, has a 4.12 ERA with with 9.8 K/9, 4.5 BB/9 and a 34.4 percent ground-ball rate in 113 2/3 innings at the Double-A level this season. He’s been playing against much more experienced competition and, in fact, is in his second run through Double-A after reaching the level as a 20-year-old last year. Callis and Mayo ranked him 25th in Tampa Bay’s system, noting that he has a projectable enough frame to potentially be a starter down the line but a strong enough fastball/slider combo to be a bullpen piece if that doesn’t pan out.

Ramirez, 23, is enjoying a solid season in the Double-A ’pen, having worked to a 3.32 ERA with 10.2 K/9, 3.8 BB/9, 0.89 HR/9 and a 35.6 percent grounder rate in 40 2/3 innings of work. He’s closer to the Majors than Cabrera, it seems, given his more advanced age, status as a reliever and greater success at that level. He could conceivably emerge as a ’pen option in St. Louis either this season or next, though was not considered to be among the Rays’ top group of prospects.

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Newsstand St. Louis Cardinals Tampa Bay Rays Transactions Chris Archer Genesis Cabrera Justin Williams Roel Ramirez Tommy Pham

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Indians Acquire Leonys Martin
View Comments (183)
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183 Comments

  1. RootedInOakland

    7 years ago

    wtf

    Reply
  2. Dankgesang

    7 years ago

    I think we all saw this coming.

    2
    Reply
    • Jkolti

      7 years ago

      I called this weeks ago I swear

      Reply
    • bighiggy

      7 years ago

      I was hoping for an archer deal 🙁 But at least Bader gets to play.

      1
      Reply
      • cards81

        7 years ago

        Bighiggy this has more to do with O’Neill than Bader I believe

        2
        Reply
        • bighiggy

          7 years ago

          Shoot, I say trade ozuna and play both. Seems like our best players are the younger guys this year. Like the hustle from Bader Munoz and O’Neill.

          Reply
    • tgolden23

      7 years ago

      Well Pham probably didn’t SEE this coming by any means…

      13
      Reply
      • Paul Molitor

        7 years ago

        Hahahaha

        Reply
      • Kane U.

        7 years ago

        Hahahahahahaha!!!!

        Reply
      • crr

        7 years ago

        Reply
      • troll

        7 years ago

        he saw it, but just barely

        Reply
      • bwick17

        7 years ago

        Yeah he did he turned down a two year offer right before this

        Reply
      • iverbure

        7 years ago

        Someone losing their eye sight is funny? No wonder that baseball best fans twitter has so many cardinals fans tweets on it saying the dumbest stuff.

        Reply
  3. Paul Molitor

    7 years ago

    What the

    Reply
  4. itslonelyatthetrop

    7 years ago

    That’s Pham-tastic!

    Reply
  5. buccosfan :(

    7 years ago

    Very curious. The rays have been making some interesting moves. I think they’re doing this whole ‘fake quick rebuild’ thing a little bit better than the Pirates.

    Reply
    • arp7241

      7 years ago

      Well in the Pirates’ defense, the Rays have been doing it longer and their good prospects are getting ready to come up this year and next

      Reply
    • GoRockies

      7 years ago

      Pirates are fighting for the Wildcard while the Rays are completely out of it. So yes the Rays are better at losing

      Reply
      • Jbigz12

        7 years ago

        I’m willing to bet if the two teams switched divisions the pirates wouldn’t be fighting for a WC slot.

        6
        Reply
  6. Paul Molitor

    7 years ago

    The rays are coming for the red Sox

    1
    Reply
  7. gainer34

    7 years ago

    Why would they not find a way to include archer. Whether it’s giving up more pieces or not you have to find a way to make that deal work

    1
    Reply
    • bighiggy

      7 years ago

      I would have thrown in Kelly and weaver and Greg Garcia, even Adolis Garcia too,. Gotta get archer in a deal, shame.

      Reply
      • EndinStealth

        7 years ago

        I cant figure out why people are so in love with Archer. Hes not all that. The Ray’s are asking alot for him. If he was worth it someone would have pulled the trigger.

        7
        Reply
        • bighiggy

          7 years ago

          Hes better than some of what we got, and cheap. Our starters are super brittle, and archer seems durable.

          Reply
        • Woody130n82

          7 years ago

          Or if Archer wasn’t worth it, the Rays would have dropped the asking price and already moved him.

          Reply
        • EndinStealth

          7 years ago

          Bad analogy. Many other teams have said the Ray’s were ridiculously asking to much. The Pirates got fleshed.

          Reply
      • tdtd1515

        7 years ago

        Garica isn’t worth anything. You can’t throw your castoffs for someone like Archer….

        Reply
    • Vedder80

      7 years ago

      Because they don’t need a starting pitcher.

      Reply
      • gainer34

        7 years ago

        They have a bunch of young guys that are going to be hitting innings limits and Carlos Martinez who is likely done for year. Wacha also our until September. They need starting pitching

        Reply
        • EndinStealth

          7 years ago

          Only if they had a legit shot at the playoffs. They dont so no sense in over paying.

          Reply
  8. STLShadows

    7 years ago

    I swear the Cards better have got a good return.

    1
    Reply
    • c1234

      7 years ago

      Doesn’t matter bader can play full time now about time, amiright!!

      2
      Reply
      • bighiggy

        7 years ago

        Its bader time! Trade ozuna while hes hot and bring up home run O’Neill too.

        Reply
        • aj_54

          7 years ago

          if you dream on prospecte you will be disappointed

          Reply
        • bighiggy

          7 years ago

          Yeah most prospects dont pan out, but Bader and O’Neill at least hustle their butt off. Rather see a young guy play and hustle in a lost season than a bunch of vets half azz it.

          Reply
        • UGA_Steve

          7 years ago

          Yeah, I bet Red Sox, Royals, Cubs and Astros fans of years past were so disappointed when the cores of their World Series teams were loaded with prospects. Must suck to win championships.

          Reply
        • Cardinals17

          7 years ago

          That’s True about Bader. Charlie Hustle in the field and on the bases. I’m still not quite sold on O’Neil. Both strike out too much!! O’Neil seems to be a 130 strike out player per year at this point.

          1
          Reply
        • gocrazyfolks

          7 years ago

          Except for the part where Bader can’t really hit.

          Reply
    • jade 2

      7 years ago

      #14 & #25 in the Rays system

      1
      Reply
  9. Freddie Morales

    7 years ago

    CRAZY!!!!!

    Reply
  10. pinstripes17

    7 years ago

    That doesn’t sound like a lot for Pham…

    Reply
    • AZPat

      7 years ago

      He’s a 30 yo with one good season.

      3
      Reply
      • What

        7 years ago

        And a degenerative eye condition.

        2
        Reply
  11. Litt-3up3down

    7 years ago

    Good thing they sold high.

    3
    Reply
    • nymetsking

      7 years ago

      they sold while high

      5
      Reply
  12. Alex Graboyes

    7 years ago

    Wtf is wrong with the cardinals. Just letting you i am calling it that ozuna is going to the mariners probably

    Reply
    • ayrbhoy

      7 years ago

      I think I’d like an Ozuna trade w the Mariners but I’m not sure Jerry will part with the prospects needed to acquire him. I feel like Dipoto is either going to take a bundle of the best of what’s left of our farm system to acquire a middle to back end SP to cover for the disappointing Felix Hernandez or use the tail end of the farm system for a 4th OF like a Cameron Maybin. He’s changed the OF profile from a thumping HR/K-out defensive liability OFer (Trumbo, SSmith etc) to athletic OFers (Gamel, Heredia, Dee Gordon etc,) who use speed on the base paths. Heredia is a fine defensive CF but his bat has gone cold for long stretches over the last 2 seasons. Not sure Ozuna fits that profile

      2
      Reply
      • c1234

        7 years ago

        The Cardinals are not selling they just prefer Bader over Pham

        1
        Reply
        • Cardinals17

          7 years ago

          Are you crazy enough you actually believe that John Mozeliak isn’t selling out the Cardinals?!? After all of this trading…..Not a single impact player has been obtained!!!!! The only thing Mozeliak has done is gotten rid of some of the poor signings he’s recently made for this season!!! The Cardinals are having to eat Millions because of these trades and DFA’s. Millions that Mozeliak has wasted!! The Houston Astros spy gate the Cardinals were caught at, is the reason the Cardinals can only spend $300,000 on any foreign player for their punishment. That’s the reason so much of that designated money is being sent to other teams!!! Plus, I will never believe that John Mozeliak knew nothing about that whole ordeal. If there is not an impact bat obtained today, you will basically see a minor league team the rest of the season. Oh wait!!! That’s mostly what we saw the first half!!! Not a single utility player traded. When you see Ozuna, Norris

          Reply
        • Cardinals17

          7 years ago

          When you see Ozuna, Norris

          Reply
        • cards81

          7 years ago

          They Houston thing is not the reason the cardinals can only spend 300,000 in the international draft…the cardinals were docked two draft picks and had to pay them 2 million dollars…they overspent last year on the international draft..that is the reason

          Reply
        • Vanilla Good

          7 years ago

          And remember: When you see Ozuna, Norris.

          1
          Reply
        • dmarcus15

          7 years ago

          They are selling the Cardinal way. Pham pretty much stated he didnt want to give the Cards a hometown deal so you deal the guy. should have done it in April when he was still hot.

          Reply
    • tombenton

      7 years ago

      No Way

      Reply
  13. Freddie Morales

    7 years ago

    Cabrera, Williams, and Ramirez are the minor Leaguers in the deal

    1
    Reply
    • bighiggy

      7 years ago

      Any of them any good?

      Reply
      • tombenton

        7 years ago

        NO

        Reply
    • KnicksFanCavsFan

      7 years ago

      Is it me or is that a light return?

      Reply
      • geejohnny

        7 years ago

        Seems light to me. Not one highly regarded. It’ll be fun watching Pham trying to prove them wrong.

        Reply
        • mlbscout6 2

          7 years ago

          Rays have one of the strong farm systems in the majors and they’re giving up a top 10, a top 15, and an interesting bullpen arm in Ramirez who I’d say is a top 30 prospect in their system. Williams profiles as an everyday rightfielder with natrual lefty power, strong bat speed, and improving pitch recognition. He crushed AA pitching last year and he’s still 22yrs old. I could see him up in the bigs in 2020. Cabrera is a deceptive lefty arm with mid 90’s heater and a sharp slider who is also young for his level and finding success in AA ball. Needs to hone command of his fastball to stick in the rotation, but at the very least will be a power lefty arm in the back of a pen.

          1
          Reply
        • bighiggy

          7 years ago

          Thank you for the analysis, it’s good to hear from knowledgeable fans.

          Reply
      • AaronCards

        7 years ago

        No, it seems pretty fair to me. Don’t get me wrong, great player. But he has had a very down season. So, it I think it seems about right.

        2
        Reply
        • bighiggy

          7 years ago

          I agree it seems light, number 14 and 25 and not rated for pham? I know he looks lost lately, but if, and I know its if, he gets right, this trade will look awful. We got no legitimate prospects, just organization filler

          Reply
        • EndinStealth

          7 years ago

          Pham had one good season and everyone thinks that’s the norm. There is a reason hes 30 and just recently had success.

          Reply
      • Cardinals17

        7 years ago

        Light ….. Sellout ….. tanking … Return! Thank you John Mozeliak!!!!

        Reply
        • cards81

          7 years ago

          Lol how is putting better players on te field tanking?

          Reply
        • EndinStealth

          7 years ago

          Some “fans” think the Cardinals can be like the Yankees. Pay through the nose for players and such…..

          Reply
  14. ronnsnow

    7 years ago

    LMAO YES! Love seeing the Cardinals selling. Last place, here they come!

    1
    Reply
    • bighiggy

      7 years ago

      Not sure last place is attainable with the reds in our division

      2
      Reply
      • hiflew

        7 years ago

        You mean the same Reds team that has won or tied their last 8 series and just took 3 of 4 from the 1st place Phillies? That Reds team?

        Reply
        • Jkolti

          7 years ago

          The pirates just swept the reds after the break, so I don’t know where you pulled that “fact” from.

          Reply
        • tyhart12

          7 years ago

          Yeah that same Reds team that has won last 2 series vs Cubs, swept Dodgers, took 3 of 4 from Phillies, 2 of 3 from Braves, and 4 of 6 from the AMAZING Cardinals…yeah that Reds team.

          Reply
        • bighiggy

          7 years ago

          Yeah that reds team, theyve been playing well, but don’t expect them to not trade any of their players today. They are still gonna finish behind the cards, but it maybe close. They had a head start

          Reply
      • GoRockies

        7 years ago

        Reds are are good team, only 6 back of the Cards

        Reply
    • cards81

      7 years ago

      lol they are making room for better players…O’Neill is raking in Triple A and Bader sits the bench…get a clue bud the cardinals are only getting better…love seeing people post when they have no idea what they are talking about!

      1
      Reply
    • Cardinals17

      7 years ago

      Amen to that!!! Selling the annual 3 Million Loyal Fans out!!!!!

      Reply
  15. spudchukar

    7 years ago

    Was hoping for a Bauers inclusion, not players who cannot help us now.

    Reply
    • dangleswaggles

      7 years ago

      Tampa would have a hefty asking price for Bauers since their rebuild is based partly around him and Adames.

      3
      Reply
  16. Bart

    7 years ago

    Another Rich n Phamous moving to Florida.

    1
    Reply
  17. We’re_Pham-ily

    7 years ago

    🙁

    Reply
    • ABCD

      7 years ago

      I’m Sorry for your loss. I will melt like the wicked witch of the West if the Cubs trade Kyle.

      Reply
  18. tomselleck

    7 years ago

    Remember when he crapped his pants when the Cubs celebrated on the field at Busch?

    1
    Reply
  19. ThatBallwasBryzzoed

    7 years ago

    As I said last week. Cards are now sellers. This is shocking.

    1
    Reply
    • cards81

      7 years ago

      this is not selling…this is creating spots for better players…positive regression can be used…yes this isn’t a blockbuster trade and the return is questionable…but in no way did this make the cardinals worse

      1
      Reply
      • Adolpho67

        7 years ago

        So funny when Cards finally start selling off and we see so many “fans” in denial!
        “Not selling….getting better!” Hahaha!

        Reply
        • cards81

          7 years ago

          Explain how getting rid of bad relievers and replacing them with better arms is selling? Explain how getting rid of Pham so two young promising outfielders can play selling? Please do..I’m listening…so funny how people post and haven’t a clue

          2
          Reply
  20. Connorsoxfan

    7 years ago

    He’s got 3 additional years of control. That’s an interesting move for both sides.

    Reply
    • dmarcus15

      7 years ago

      but the question is does his eyes have 3 yrs left?

      Reply
  21. brewcrew08

    7 years ago

    The white flag has waived

    Reply
    • We’re_Pham-ily

      7 years ago

      Because the Cards rather play an elite CF in Bader? Pham has struggled since April.

      1
      Reply
      • gocrazyfolks

        7 years ago

        Bader is only elite with the glove. He is a below-average hitter, not the next coming or anything. This does not make us better.

        Reply
        • eatonculo

          7 years ago

          The stats don’t point to Bader being a below average hitter.

          He’s not the greatest hitter in the league, but if nothing else he’s an elite fourth outfielder. Nothing wrong with that.

          Reply
        • Vanilla Good

          7 years ago

          So now that he’s expected to be the 2nd best OF he’s what? Slightly below average? Elite 4th outfielder lol

          Reply
        • Adolpho67

          7 years ago

          How much you wanna bet that within 2 years Bader & O’Neil will have gone the way of Piscotti & Grichuk? Cards don’t develop hitters.

          Reply
        • cards81

          7 years ago

          How much you wanna bet Pham won’t be any better than O’Neill and Bader? By the way O’Neill was developed in the Mariners system

          Reply
        • EndinStealth

          7 years ago

          With Mabry gone they’ll have a better shot.

          Reply
        • Ry.the.Stunner

          7 years ago

          Bader has a .738 OPS and a 101 OPS+. That is the very definition of average (if not below average) with the bat.

          Reply
    • cards81

      7 years ago

      Pham is not all that great with bad eye sight…O’Neill is raking in triple A and Bader is sitting the bench…I love how people think this is waving the white flag…they are only getting better with the young talent they have

      1
      Reply
    • cards81

      7 years ago

      lol they are making room for better players…O’Neill is raking in Triple A and Bader sits the bench…get a clue bud the cardinals are only getting better…love seeing people post when they have no idea what they are talking about!

      1
      Reply
      • cards81

        7 years ago

        Sorry for the double post

        Reply
        • brewcrew08

          7 years ago

          I love how you are already calling Bader and O’Neill better than Pham. What have those two proven in the bigs? Pham hit .300 last year and was nearly a 25-25 guy. If Pham is having a down year being on pace to score 100 runs, hit 22HR and steal 15 bags that’s huge years for many guys.

          Reply
        • cards81

          7 years ago

          Pham is 30 years old with a degenerative eye condition…he is injury prone and had only one good year in the mlb…the league was figuring him out and he was batting what…240…Bader is a better CF for sure…can easily steal more bases than Pham…and was batting around .270 before he was benched so Fowler can figure stuff out…O’Neill is absolutely tearing up triple A and is a power threat they the cardinals need…and by the way they are way younger than Pham and their eyesight is fine…so yea I think they are better than Pham

          1
          Reply
      • Adolpho67

        7 years ago

        Take a pill Cards81…remember the old days?
        …there ya go!

        Reply
        • cards81

          7 years ago

          Lol great argument..compelling to say the least..get a clue bud

          Reply
  22. 66TheNumberOfTheBest

    7 years ago

    The Pirates are buying while the Cardinals are selling. Novel, to say the least.

    Reply
    • bighiggy

      7 years ago

      Cardinals should have sold last year. When Lynn and Pham could have brought something decent back, stupid hindsight

      1
      Reply
  23. AJPGotThat2020Vision

    7 years ago

    Wut

    Reply
  24. AaronCards

    7 years ago

    Actually excited that the cardinals are doing something with respect to selling. Big fan and was hoping to see things turn around but the awful defense has continued. Even if we had made I think to the playoffs, we wouldn’t deserve to win. Looking forward to see what other moves come today. Best wishes to Mr. Pham. I enjoyed watching him play in the Lou.

    3
    Reply
  25. Gambit1193

    7 years ago

    Fleece job

    Reply
  26. baseballpun

    7 years ago

    Bader having a better season and is 6 years younger.

    3
    Reply
    • ThatBallwasBryzzoed

      7 years ago

      Younger but he’s not better than Pham.

      1
      Reply
      • baseballpun

        7 years ago

        What are you basing that on? One season in a 30-year-old player’s career?

        1
        Reply
        • hiflew

          7 years ago

          What are you basing that on? Hypothetical numbers on what a guy might be able to attain if all goes well?

          1
          Reply
        • baseballpun

          7 years ago

          Two players that are pretty comparable this season (Bader actually a little better). One is on the wrong side of 30. One is 24. Who do you think will be better in 2 years?

          1
          Reply
        • hiflew

          7 years ago

          I don’t know who will be better in 2 years, but neither do you. Bader could easily be playing in Korea in 2 years. and Pham could be an MVP candidate. Or vice versa. It’s all a guessing game.

          Reply
    • c1234

      7 years ago

      I know people are saying they are giving up but this makes the team better, Bader is a way better player

      1
      Reply
      • baseballpun

        7 years ago

        I don’t think the Cards are going to get it together and get a WC, but the only player they’ve gotten rid of who has produced at all this season is Tuivailala. I don’t know how that’s “waiving the white flag.”

        Reply
  27. c1234

    7 years ago

    I guess that’s why Pham wasn’t in the lineup yesterday

    Reply
  28. bravesfan

    7 years ago

    Definitely a questionable decision from both sides but it ultimately makes sense

    1
    Reply
  29. kaido24

    7 years ago

    I’m not sure how to feel about this one.

    Reply
  30. CuddyFox

    7 years ago

    Holland was not released. He was DFA according from Goold.

    2
    Reply
  31. ThatBallwasBryzzoed

    7 years ago

    I hope whether its this year or this winter. Marcell Ozuna finally fails his drug test. The last person to double and even triple their offensive numbers in a 2 or 3 year span was his former hitting coach Batty Bonds. How did he go from a career high of 13 home runs to 37 in a season and a half. No way its hard work. If that was the case. Ryan Braun would have been a legit MVP. He was not and it should have gone to Matt Kemp that year.

    Reply
    • c1234

      7 years ago

      Can you stop please? I remember you complaining about this on the article the Cardinals acquiring him. How about Happ gets tested too.

      Reply
      • ThatBallwasBryzzoed

        7 years ago

        Happ is clean. His career high in home runs didnt triple in less than 2 seasons. And. 2. This is the first time I said anything. About it. Now he’s off steroids and having a terrible year. He’s nothing more than a judy hitter without cheating. He’s the Latin american version of cody Ross.

        Reply
        • c1234

          7 years ago

          Ian happ’s career high with a full season in the minors was 15 HRs now he hits 39 in 629 mlb at bats. If you call a cardinals player a cheater than I’ll call out a cub player. See how you feel.

          1
          Reply
    • Jbigz12

      7 years ago

      Ozuna hit 23 bombs the season before he hit 37. Idk what you’re getting at.

      Reply
    • stan lee the manly

      7 years ago

      Lol. He was 26 last year, not 34. There is such a thing as player development. He also hit 23 homers in 2016, not 13. They didn’t even double, let alone triple.

      Reply
  32. javier 3

    7 years ago

    Bad trade again with what the cardinals got in return. Over the last 4 years the only good trades they’ve made are Gonzales for O’Neill, Jay for Gyorko, the Ozuna trade, and that’s all I can think of. Anyone agree?

    Reply
    • GoRockies

      7 years ago

      Gonzales had been a very good pitcher, I would say that was a bad trade

      1
      Reply
      • stan lee the manly

        7 years ago

        O’Neil hasn’t even had a real chance yet. He’s hit almost 30 homers this year between triple A and the majors on top of fixing his plate discipline enough to maintain a 300 average at triple A. Add that to the fact that he can play all three outfield positions and he has plus speed, especially for a power hitter, and this guy has a chance to be a serious impact player. It’s way way too early to be calling this a “bad trade”, especially because the Cardinals starting rotation has been so good. They had zero need for Gonzales and turned him in to a player that does fill a need

        1
        Reply
        • Jbigz12

          7 years ago

          O’neill for Gonzales wasn’t a need trade at the time. They had a glut of outfielders. Piscotty, Grichuk, Pham, Fowler, Bader, J. Martinez. They liked his upside more than Marco G. But I don’t think that was a deal to fill a need at all. They’ve shipped out a ton of OF’s since but that was a choice not a necessity.

          1
          Reply
        • stan lee the manly

          7 years ago

          They may have had a lot of outfielders, but they had almost no power. It wasn’t about his position, it was about what he could do with the bat. Their quest for additional power was pretty well documented at the time of the trade

          1
          Reply
        • marinersblue96

          7 years ago

          The Cards doesn’t need a pitcher who is currently 12-5, 3.37 ERA, 111/25 SO/BB, 1.162 WHIP, who BTW is 5-0 with a 1.87 ERA since June? Really? I like O’Neill, but he’s a one tool player, epitome of a AAAA player.

          1
          Reply
        • stan lee the manly

          7 years ago

          Have you seen all of the young controllable talented starting pitchers that the Cardinals have? They have three in the bullpen just because they have no where to put them in the rotation, and that’s with Wacha and Reyes on the shelf!

          As for O’Neil, have you looked at all at what he’s done this year at AAA? 311 avg, 26 homers, raised his OBP by almost 70 POINTS because they asked him to work on his plate discipline, above average defense in right, 5 assists, double digit steals for almost every year in the minors (although these are down this year), as well as 3 more homers at the major league level for his brief call up. This isn’t a one tool player lol, he’s showing above average tools in pretty much every area of his game. He’s obviously not the same player you remember leaving Seattle, player development is a real thing

          2
          Reply
      • oldhaus

        7 years ago

        It’s too early to say this. Gotta give O’Neil a chance before we can say this for sure.

        Reply
  33. birdsfan415

    7 years ago

    Holland was DFA’d but not yet released.

    Reply
    • Steve Adams

      7 years ago

      Thanks. Mental gaffe on my end.

      Reply
  34. bucketbrew35

    7 years ago

    Not sure why so many Cards fans seemed to have soured on Pham. Sure he’s having a down year, but he seems like a legitimately good player that works hard.

    2
    Reply
    • kaido24

      7 years ago

      I didn’t sour to him fwiw.

      Reply
    • comptoncardinal

      7 years ago

      I don’t think Cards fans have soured on Pham. He was a fan favorite, actually had some personality, leaves it all on the field. I’m going to miss watching him play.

      1
      Reply
      • baseballpun

        7 years ago

        I like Pham personally but I never really thought he’d be able to repeat last season. Late bloomers just don’t usually sustain that kind of success.

        Reply
    • eatonculo

      7 years ago

      Management may not think much of Pham but Cardinals fans never soured on him at all.. He always got the benefit of the doubt from fans here in St. Louis.

      He hasn’t played very well this season but our fans always seem to balance “production vs. salary” above everything else. Pham is very valuable compared to his salary. Most fans enjoyed Pham very much.

      Reply
  35. nste23

    7 years ago

    Wow I thought they could get a bigger return

    Reply
    • bighiggy

      7 years ago

      Me too, would have rather traded him and norris to the yankees for Warren and austin.

      Reply
  36. Bryzzo2016

    7 years ago

    WOW! That return…. meh. It’s amazing how quickly Pham’s shine diminished. He was arguably their best player last year, now he’s in TB?!?

    Reply
  37. 3Rivers

    7 years ago

    CARDINALS BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. LOVE TO SEE THIS FANBASE LOSE AND SUFFER ♥

    1
    Reply
    • AaronCards

      7 years ago

      Who hurt you

      4
      Reply
    • baseballpun

      7 years ago

      So you haven’t been this happy since, what, the mid-90s?

      1
      Reply
  38. srmocardsfan

    7 years ago

    I never was a fan of pham’s. I think cardinal fans over rated him like they do allot of players in the organization. Fact is he had one decent year at age 30. career minor leaguer that caught fire for a short time. Like allot of minor leaguers that come up on fire. When major league pitchers figure out how to pitch them the fire goes out. Pham’s fire is very dem and I dont see it getting brighter anytime soon. I’m glade hes gone while we could get something out of him

    1
    Reply
    • User 3617846742

      7 years ago

      For the last two months, Pham played injured when he should have been on the DL. He had a pulled groin.

      Reply
    • Vanilla Good

      7 years ago

      but Bader and O’Niell are like, awesome, right?

      Reply
  39. Sideline Redwine

    7 years ago

    I have been waiting for Justin Williams to wear the TB jersey…I missed his only AB…and now this??? There is a reason the Cards are dumping Pham. Ugh.

    1
    Reply
    • eatonculo

      7 years ago

      Pham’s a good player. They’re just trying to create room for all the outfielders they already have and get younger players. They want players with options.

      1
      Reply
  40. hiflew

    7 years ago

    Pretty good return. Tampa’s #14, #25, and a third guy. I may be biased though because Justin Williams was always a star LF for me in OOTP franchise mode.

    1
    Reply
  41. Lou4ever

    7 years ago

    Terrible trade Cards should have sent Jose with and got Archer in return. Once again another weak deal by Mo. Cant wait for ownership to wake up and see that Mo is the real problem in STL.

    Reply
    • baseballpun

      7 years ago

      I’m sure the only reason the Cards didn’t trade Jose and Pham for Archer is because Mo didn’t think of it. And neither did Tampa. If only the thought had crossed their minds!

      2
      Reply
    • Kane U.

      7 years ago

      You’re an idiot if you think that would get Archer.

      Reply
  42. andthenisaid

    7 years ago

    Didn’t Pham come out and say something publicly about not liking the way he was treated by the front office? That sealed his fate with the Cardinals imho.

    1
    Reply
    • stan lee the manly

      7 years ago

      He wasn’t happy with the extension talks because the Cardinals weren’t willing to commit “star money” without seeing sustained success. The guy is nothing if not confident in himself…

      1
      Reply
      • cards81

        7 years ago

        It wasn’t just about the extension contract talk…he also said he didn’t like how they handled him…he thought he was better than the mlb outfield the Cardinals had while he was in triple A and raking…that think is what sealed his fate…it’s funny because he just got traded because there are better outfielders that are getting blocked by him and Fowler…so they got rid of Pham so they can have a chance….sorry Pham but the cardinals are just heeding your advice

        1
        Reply
    • User 3617846742

      7 years ago

      I don’t know he said anything, but he’s been playing injured (groin) for the last two months. So, so much for being loyal to the Cardinals. . The Cardinals front office is a mess!

      Reply
  43. oldhaus

    7 years ago

    Fans are so conditioned to either ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ trade for the present season, they don’t get a basic trade for this and next season. Pirates and Kela trade is of this kind too.

    1
    Reply
  44. TBRaysBucsBolts

    7 years ago

    Ho hum, Tampa Bay rays buyers at the trade deadline again….wait, what?! I have to admit I didn’t see this coming. I realize Pham’s numbers are down this year, but he is an immediate upgrade over Gomez in LF. Wow, the Rays must actually believe they will be competitive over the next few years. That’s nice to see as a Ray fan. I also like the increase in international slot money.

    Reply
    • iverbure

      7 years ago

      The rays are buying statement didn’t age well

      Reply
  45. snakebyte32

    7 years ago

    Hope this turns out like the Jim Edmonds trade a few years back. Everyone then was like who is this David Freese kid. Oh just some 26 year old that won’t amount to anything…. Here’s to hoping. This deal seems light at the moment however…

    Reply
  46. andre b.

    7 years ago

    Like this trade. Rays will do good next year not just bc of this trade but we have loads of prospects almost done developing.

    Reply
  47. KierMayor

    7 years ago

    I think it’s laughable when people come to the notion that teams are “firmly out of the wild card” as if 2011 never happened. Let me remind everyone that TWO teams gained 8+ games in ONE month. Let’s not forget there are TWO full months left in the season. The collapse that allowed the Rays to gain games, came by the Red Sox, so the notion this couldn’t happen to the A’s or the Mariners, is absurd.

    1
    Reply
    • michaelw

      7 years ago

      I agree with you. Which is why the Nats aren’t trading Harper. I still not convinced a young Philly team takes the division. Everyone jumped on the Arz band Wagon when the LAD were 8 games out. A fast a hot bteam n slump can change things.

      Reply
  48. Adolpho67

    7 years ago

    This is a baseball divorce. Pham has aired his animosity towards the Cards many times, very publicly. Felt he was intentionally held back in the minors by Mo. Time to clean house!

    Reply
  49. Phillies2017

    7 years ago

    I give the Rays a slight edge here
    Williams could be a starter, but despite his age, a sub 700 OPS in AAA isn’t encouraging
    Cabrera looks like a swing
    Ramirez seems like a taxi guy

    Reply
  50. bpskelly

    7 years ago

    I don’t like the move simply because it’s selling low. But in reality as exciting as Pham was for 100 games last year, he’s 30 with a degenerative eye condition. Getting anything for him — even though I think we sold low — was probably a good idea.

    Just not sure about the timing of it or the return. That’s all.

    Reply
  51. Djones246890

    7 years ago

    While you’re at it, can the Cardinals give the Cubs Dexter Fowler back? Poor guy was tortured in the arm pit of America. He’d be a .300 hitter if he was still on the best team in the NL Central. Dex is a Cub for life!

    Reply
    • JosephNormand

      7 years ago

      Cubs blow. Manager keeps Cubs out of World Series with his daily lineups. They had their 1 shot & it’ll be another 100 years before they sniff Series again.

      Reply
    • Kane U.

      7 years ago

      You can have him.

      Reply
  52. Adolpho67

    7 years ago

    Just 2 years ago in 2016, Cards had a new, exciting OF of Piscotti, Pham, & Grichuk. All with cost-control. They were set for years!
    Now, Bader-O’Neil-Ozuna. Set for years!
    What will 2020 bring?

    Reply
    • snakebyte32

      7 years ago

      Well on this one the cards only have Ozuna through 19, and have tied themselves to Dex till 2045, so it won’t be the typical set for years theme…

      Reply
  53. JosephNormand

    7 years ago

    Why would Cardinals give up on Pham?

    Reply
    • bshort7

      7 years ago

      The thing is they didn’t give up on him. They gave him a chance and sucked. He had a great year last year but he was too high on himself and proved nothing.

      Reply
  54. Triteon

    7 years ago

    The last time the Cards shipped a guy out like this it was Colby Rasmus. Before that, can’t-miss prospect Brett Wallace was traded. If Pham is as good as he claims, Tampa will be trading him within the next 12 months.

    Reply
    • snakebyte32

      7 years ago

      The difference in the Rasmus trade was that we actually got some MLB players in return. All they achieved with this trade is getting the team younger. Honestly wish him well in Tampa. He seems like a very driven guy. I don’t think it is a white flag moment yet, but it sure looks like they are leaning more toward a 2020 timeline to compete for the division again.

      1
      Reply
  55. Kane U.

    7 years ago

    Good, Bader needs to be a starter anyway.

    Reply
  56. bradthebluefish

    7 years ago

    Cardinals should have traded Bud Norris. He is a free agent at this year’s end. Why hold onto him? And I doubt he clear trade waivers in August. He’s too good.

    Reply
  57. Ash paladium

    7 years ago

    Tommy Pham is a typical MLB cheat. Guy basically hits no home runs his whole minor league and major league career and then just all of sudden starts bombing out home runs. Can’t blame these guys. It’s either take it and make money or dont and be out if the league. The MLB is obviously covering up its Ped use. They knew that the fans want to see home runs so they basically bust someone ebery now and then to make their testing look legit. If it was legit the league would be clean. Baseball died when the salary cap was removed. Now it’s a bidding war.

    Reply

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