I admit in my recent return to the baseball card hobby that Heyward wasn't a guy I targeted for my collection (I only have two cards of his). It isn't because I don't like him as a player. He plays great defense, he hits, and seems to be a likable guy. On my list of Braves, I'd pick his cards up before Justin Upton and others. I guess my focus has been on a few guys, and mainly Freeman from the current group, because of times like this. Player movement is just so frequent that you become invested, and then they're gone. I picked up my first card of Tommy La Stella a couple weeks back, and a few days later he's traded to the Cubs.
So from a hobby perspective the Heyward trade doesn't bother me, but as a fan of the Braves, you hate to lose guys like this. I feel like a breakout is coming for Heyward on the Cardinals, and even if he doesn't sign with them long-term, that will hurt as a Braves fan.
What's your take on the Heyward trade, and to the Cardinals fans out there, how are you feeling?
The big issue is Heyward's contract, from all indications. He told the team he would not give a hometown discount and intended to hit the free agent market, so they traded him a year early for two guys they'll still have when they move into the new park in 2017.
ReplyDeleteThat's at least what I've heard.
I'm okay with the trade. I think both teams will benefit, especially if Heyward decides to stay in St. Louis long term. Shelby Miller is a terrific pitcher and under team control for awhile yet, so I think the deal will work out well for the other side.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this is unrelated, but I put you down for the Pacers in my Basketball Card Club thing. Send me an email (kerrybiggs at comcast dot net) with your mailing address when you get a chance.
As a Cardinals fan I am good with the move as long the team is able to sign Heyward long term. They gave up a lot of controllable arms (salary wise) in the deal. I guess the Cardinals have a good track record with these sorts of moves, but still makes me nervous.
ReplyDelete