This article is part of our Bernie on the Scene series.
The Cardinals likely cemented the weak National League Central with the acquisition of Nolan Arenado.
St. Louis also picked jeff Bridich's pocket. That isn't too hard, though.
Some may say that leaving Coors will have a profound negative impact on Arenado's offense. He does, however, pick up Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati and a good hitters' park in Pittsburgh. But make no mistake, Busch is not paradise for a hitter.
So the Rockies dumped Arenado's salary and added some young "talent" to their roster.
Here's my take on their haul. In a word — uninspiring (a distant cousin of meh).
This trade reminds me of when the Marlins jettisoned Giancarlo Stanton. The Yankees sent them back-bench players Jorge Guzman and Jose Devers along with Starlin Castro for the over-priced and then dynamic Stanton. But Stanton's salary was gone, with the exception of $30M the Yankees assumed. The Marlins rejoiced.
Each scouting grade I have provided is probably a bit too high. But there is some potential in a couple players. I could have graded them lower with ease. I just gave them the benefit of potential growth in their games.
The New Rockies
Elehuris Montero
3B/1B
6-3, 235
Age 22
Signed by Cardinals as an international free agent out of Dominican Republic
He is the headliner in the trade for Colorado. I think he'll end up playing first base for the Rockies when all is said and done. The Cardinals invested a $300,000 signing bonus in him.
