Trade Rumors: St. Louis Cardinals To Acquire Justin Masterson
By Adam Hughes
Jul 7, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson (63) delivers in the second inning against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The National League Central is the most tightly-bunched division in baseball as the trade deadline approaches, and the team that can improve themselves via moves made between now and tomorrow would seem to have the upper hand when it comes to securing a playoff spot. The St. Louis Cardinals appear to have fired the opening salvo by acquiring Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson, according to Peter Gammons:
The Indians are trading Justin Masterson to the Cardinals
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) July 30, 2014
Masterson is not the blue chip trade piece that Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price might be, but he holds a lot of upside and could revitalize a team like the Cardinals if he can return to his All-Star levels of just a year ago.
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For the Cincinnati Reds and their fans, an improving Cardinals team is just one more sign that the Reds have little hope of making the post-season in 2014. Rumors continue to swirl around the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well, and as division rivals ramp up, the Reds’ stock continues to slide. Hopefully, Cincinnati can either stand still or even trade one of their own chips for prospects, with an eye on 2015 and beyond.