Cards trade Skip Schumaker – MLB News
St. Louis Cardinals have had a generally quiet tread in this offseason. No big undertaking and bargain on the horizon – not at least officially, the Cards are being observed with keen interest.
However, Wednesday, Dec. 12, saw something big as the Cardinals announced a swap with the Los Angeles Dodgers that will send Skip Schumaker to Los Angeles, and bring in infielder Jake Lemmerman.
That Schumaker was to be traded had so far remained an issue largely undiscussed; but the announcement on Wednesday evinced that the Cardinals would negotiate and transact without inviting huge media glare until it is official.
This past season, Schumaker batted .276 in 107 games that he appeared in, hitting only a homer and 28 RBIs with .339 OBP. He played as right fielder in 10 games, 15 as centre fielder and 43 as second baseman, remaining pinch hitter in 62 games.
Once the season concluded, wherein the Cards were eliminated in the National League Championship Series by the San Francisco Giants, general manager Mike Mozeliak had dropped a hint that he might not be considered for second base in the next season.
Nonetheless, ever since his debut in 2005, the player had a total of 810 games with the Cardinals, batting .288 and hitting 23 home runs with 211 RBIs to his credit, having kept .345 OBP.
It was recognized by the team on Wednesday when it issued a statement after the trade announcement.
"On behalf of the entire Cardinals organization, I want to thank Skip for his professionalism and many contributions to our ballclub during his 12-year association," Mozeliak said in a statement issued by the club Wednesday. "Skip helped provide many great memories for Cardinals fans and we wish he and his family all the best with the Dodgers."
Skip Schumaker was in the last year of current two-year contract. There were reports that he along with his agent had spoken to Mozeliak and shown willingness to be traded.
In Los Angeles Dodgers, he will be under the mentorship of hitting coach Mark McGwire. McGwire was previously associated with the Cardinals – discharging responsibility in the same capacity.
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