Cardinals land fromer closer John Axford from Brewers

The St, Louis Cardinals have acquired John Axford from the Milwaukee Brewers for a player to be named later. Axford, 30, is a former closer for the Brewers. He came up for the Brewers back in 2009, and pitched in seven games, with 1 save and no blown saves. In 2010, he became the Brewers closer saving 24 games, with 3 holds, and 3 blown saves. Then in 2011, it was Axford's best season in the MLB. He had 46 saves, and two blown saves. That included with an era of 1.95. He also lead the NL in saves in 011, and won the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award (that award is given to the top relief pitchers in the AL  and NL).

In 2012, he pretty much fell apart as the Brewers closer, getting 35 saves and blowing 9 of them, with an era of 4.67. So far in 2013, Axford has been a little bit better than he was in 2012 even though all of his stats may not show it (some of them do show it though). He has 19 holds this season, even though he's blown 6 games, with an era of 4.45. Lots of his problems seem to be giving up the home run ball in Miller Park and at The Great American Ballpark. Sometimes players need a change of scenery after falling off a team. He's under team control through 2016, he's arbitration eligible. So if he doesn't do well, he could end up being non-tendered in December by the Cardinals.

If Edward Mujica needs a day off or two, Axford could get a chance to save, because he has closer experience in the MLB level. It also could end up being a nice pick up if, Mujica's arm problems are worse than thought of. Time will tell if Axford can do well on the Cardinals, I have a feeling that he can if given a chance. He also won't have Ryan Braun as a distraction.

For Axford's career his stats as of now are: 268 games played, 263.1 innings, 21 wins, 19 losses, 106 saves, 20 blown saves, a whip of 1.33, and an era of 3.35. In his postseason career, he has an era of 1.29 and has 3 saves, and 1 blown save.

He'll be in no.34 for the Cardinals starting tonight in Pittsburgh. He's making $5 million this season. He also could end up being a nice help with Trevor Rosenthal leading to closer Edward Mujica. Looks like a good move for the Cardinals bullpen, again time will tell if it is or isn't.