Freese to the Angels and Bourjos to the Cardinals

The Angels and Cardinals swapped these two players in a four player deal today. The deal involved third baseman David Freese going to the Angels with relief pitcher Fernando Salas and outfielder Peter Bourjos going to the Cardinals with outfield prospect Randal Grichuk.

How does Freese look in an Angels uniform?

Freese was the hero of the 2011 post season for the Cardinals in their championship year. After a successful 2012 season in which he hit 20 home runs with a .293 average, 2013 followed with a down year. Freese's home runs were cut in half to 9 and his average dropped 30 points to .262 along with his on base percentage. The Angels are hoping for the clutch David Freese to help the murderous lineup that just cant perform.

How does Bourjos look in a Cardinals uniform? 

Peter Bourjos is most known for his defense, the player that traversed Mike Trout to left field. Bourjos has plenty of speed, which adds to his defense, but he swiped 22 bags in 2011 and 6 in 55 games in 2013. His batting average along with his on base percentage has fluctuated from 2011-2013 where his down year was 2012. You can expect a .270 average and a .333 on base percentage from Boujos.

As for Fernando Salas, he has found success in the past, 2011 to be exact. In the magical year for the Cardinals, he had a 2.28 ERA, but since then he has pitched consistently to ERAs above 4. The Angels may be getting a steal for Salas who can make a big difference in the bullpen.

The Cardinals are definitely up to something this off season. It has been understood that the Cardinals are in search of a short stop this off season. The names Tulowitzki, Andrus, Hardy, Aybar, and Profar have fluttered around, but now with trade for Bourjos, third base is open along with $3 Million. Remember that Chris Carpenter retired, his $10 Million is off the books, and Carlos Beltran is searching for a now home with his $13 Million. Matt Carpenter can move to third base, and Kolton Wong can move to short stop, leaving second base open. The Cardinals may very well go for big fish Robinson Cano, especially in their handed heavy lineup. Cano is just one possibility, but the Cardinals are on the ticker to make a big splash.