Buy low, sell high.
That seems to be the initiative Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos likes to follow and he continued that trend Wedenesday afternoon after aqcuiring the high-ceiling outfielder Colby Rasmus from the Cardinals in a 3 team deal.
Before we get to the meat of the story, here is the quick breakdown of the trade. The first part of the trade occurred between the Jays and Chicago White Sox which saw the recently all-time Jays appearance record Jason Frasor and pitching prospect Zack Stewart leave North of the Border for infielder Mark Teahan and frequently traded starter Edwin Jackson. The Blue Jays then shipped the recently acquired Jackson, relievers Octavio Dotel and Mark Rzepcyznski, and outfielder Corey Patterson to the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Colby Rasmus, relievers P.J. Walker, Trever Miller, and Brian Tallet (a former Jay).
Many baseball analysts have declared Toronto winners of this trade despite the lack of production the highly touted Rasmus has done this season. A former projected #2 prospect in 2009, the 25 year old Rasmus has been dealing with his struggles on and off the field. A low average yet strong OPS had left Cardinals fans torn about the young star, and issues within the clubhouse left a rift between Rasmus and his manager as well.
What makes this deal great for the Jays and the potential star Rasumus is simply that...potential. The Blue Jays organization has gambled with struggling players in the past and it seems Toronto has been the place to give them a rejuvenation in their careers.
Example 1: Jose Bautista was a struggling utiltyman who was shipped around left and right. Bautista was acquired in 2008 for minor league catcher Robinson Diaz. It was Toronto however that saw his potential in power, and after acquiring a starting role in 2009, the once career bench player began the transformation into of lethal power hitter and is now the franchise superstar.
Example 2: The first half of 2010 was a was not a good one for shortstop Yunel Escobar of the Atlanta Braves. Poor production at the plate and a poor attitude led to disfavor from management in their once deemed shortstop of the future. When a taker was found in Toronto, the Braves willingly traded him in a five player deal. Escobar had a much better second half and an even better start to the 2011 season. Escobar has since been rewarded with a contract extension that will keep him in Canada for a few more years.
The point is, sometimes all it takes is a change of scenario and while Rasmus' time in St. Louis may not have been a great one, he has a fresh start in Toronto and hopefully he can make the best of it with a team that has a tremendously bright future.
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