Dexter Fowler Flies To Cardinals

The Cardinals went into the offseason needing to address outfield, they did that Thursday night by signing free agent centerfielder Dexter Fowler. The Cardinals signed him for a five-year contract, worth $82.5 million. Fowler comes from the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs, after playing two seasons for them. While, Fowler may not have been everyone's first choice, what he does best is get on base. He's also a true lead off guy.

In 2016, besides helping the Cubs win the World Series, he was an All-Star for the first time in his MLB career. He had his best on base percentage since 2012 with the Colorado Rockies. In 2012, Fowler's on base percentage was 389, in 2016 393. He's been the guy who is able to spark the Cubs the last couple of seasons. Last year, without Fowler the Cubs were 23-20. He hit .276, with 13 home runs, 48 rbi's, and 13 stolen bases.

Fowler 30, has been in the MLB for nine seasons. Over those nine seasons, his career stats are: 1,064 games played, 623 runs, 1,001 hits, 195 doubles, 72 triples, 78 home runs, 339 rbi's, 127 stolen bases, 554 walks, and a career batting average of .268.

In Fowler the Cardinals are pretty much wanting a guy who can get on base, and provide some athleticism. Which, he seems to have been able to do for other teams in his career. Randal Grichuk will move to left-field. The outfield appears to be better. Grichuk, Fowler, and Stephen Piscotty all have enough speed to cover ground. The Cardinals lineup becomes a lot more stable too.

His personality should also help the Cardinals out. Will the Cardinals make another move? They have the room, and money to make another move if they want to. The Cardinals are showing by landing both Brett Cecil back in November, and now Dexter Fowler that they are willing to spend money.

Jaime Garcia Dealt To Braves

When the St. Louis Cardinals picked up starting pitcher Jaime Garcia's $12 million option for 2017, there were rumors that he was going to be traded. On Thursday evening, those became realistic when the Cardinals traded Jaime Garcia to the Atlanta Braves for prospects RHP Chris Ellis, RHP John Gant, and 2B Luke Dykstra.

Garcia spent eight seasons with the Cardinals. In lots of ways, Garcia could have maybe been better, but he was hurt a lot. Garcia can be really good, when he's healthy. His best season came in 2011, when he went 13-7, with an era of 3.56, and 194.2 innings. In 2016, Garcia went 10-13, with an era of 4.67, with 171.2 innings.

Over his career, Garcia's record is: 62-45, 3.57 era, 158 games, 147 starts, 4 complete games, 4 shutouts, 723 strikeouts, 261 walks, 896 innings, and a whip of 1.28.

What do the Cardinals get in Ellis, Gants, and Dykstra? It seems like depth for now. Chris Ellis was rated as the Braves 17th best prospect, and John Gant was 21st. Luke Dykstra is a player who hits for average, but doesn't have much power. Dykstra seems to be a future utility player. He's the son of former MLB player Lenny Dykstra.

John Gant was in the MLB last season, and went 1-4, with an era of 4.86, and 50 innings. Gant made 7 starts for the Braves.

Chris Ellis has yet to see the MLB, but he showed some flashes when he was in Mississippi for the Braves Double-A team. Ellis struggled when he reached Triple-A.