The St. Louis Cardinals strike first blood as they have traded for Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson.
Dodgers and Red Sox Pursue Matt Kemp-Jon Lester Swap?
The Cardinals sent minor league outfielder James Ramsey to the Indians in exchange for the pitcher. Ramsey was the 23rd overall pick in the 2012 draft out of Florida State and is a.266 hitter with a .368 on base percentage in 235 career minor-league games. Ramsey is the No. 8 prospect in baseball according to Baseball America.
As for Masterson, the Cardinals acquiring him doesn't change their interest in landing the Red Sox’s Jon Lester or the Tampa Bay Rays’ David Price. Masterson is a free agent after this season and has is 4-6 with a 5.51 ERA this season for the Indians.
Cubs Out of David Price Sweepstakes
The overall consensus is that the Indians received the better end of the deal as they land a top prospect in exchange for a middle of the pack pitcher who wasn't going to return in 2015. The Cardinals fill a need in their pitching rotation while leaving enough ammo to make a run at a big name arm before Thursday's trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers are still considered the favorites to land Lester, but many believe that the Red Sox ace won’t be traded at all. Masterson will make his Cardinal debut Saturday against the rival Brewers.
The Masterson deal is in line with what people were saying: Mo wasn't going to go too crazy for Price or Lester. #stlcards
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 30, 2014
Cardinals have acquired RHP Justin Masterson from CLE in exchange for minor league OF James Ramsey. Masterson (4-6, 5.51) will start Sat. — Aaron Bennett (@WCIA3Aaron) July 30, 2014
[ESPN]
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