Era Ending? Edmonds Exits

The Padres have released Jim Edmonds.

I don't think many of us really expected that when he was traded back in December.  Sure, the contract was up at the end of 2008, but he should be able to put together the semblance of a decent year.  Even last year, a down year by his standards, he stroked 12 homers and hit .250.

Apparently, that wasn't the case.  After a .178 average and the fact that San Diego is struggling, sitting in last place in the NL West, he now finds himself without work.

If this is it for the man nicknamed Hollywood and Jimmy Radio, he leaves with a career .286 mark, 363 HR and numerous Gold Gloves.  Is he a Hall of Famer?  That'll be for more knowledgeable people than I to determine.  I do know that he's a shoo in for the Cardinal Hall of Fame, though.

If you wanted to be slightly melodramatic, you could say he couldn't stand playing anywhere outside of St. Louis.  A movie script would have him coming back to the 'Lou, taking a bench role, then producing down the clutch for one last hurrah.  Unfortunately, this isn't a movie, and the Cards have too many outfielders as it is.  Though if he wanted to do some coaching, I'd think the door would always be open.

All this does make that trade in December look more and more like a huge steal for the Cardinals, what with David Freese moving up the prospect ranks.  Maybe Mozeliak knew more than we gave him credit for.

For now, though, I'll say what I said in December.  Thanks for the memories, Jimmy!




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