Hours after talks broke off with Mike Cameron, the San Diego Padres agreed in principle Friday to acquire center fielder Jim Edmonds and cash from the St. Louis Cardinals for a minor leaguer. The deal was waiting approval from the commissioner’s office because it will involve around $1 million going from the Cardinals to the Padres, according to a source with knowledge of the deal, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been finalized. The Cardinals will get minor league third baseman David Freese.
As for Cameron, it is possible that he could land in St. Louis if the Cardinals trade Edmonds to San Diego. He also has several other options, according to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal.
The Reds are trying to move Ryan Freel and Josh Hamilton. The White Sox are still in the market for a center fielder after striking out on free agents Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand. Even the Yankees could emerge as a potential suitor for Cameron if they include center fielder Melky Cabrera in a package for Twins left-hander Johan Santana — a deal that remains possible, Yankees senior vice-president Hank Steinbrenner said Friday.
Edmonds batted .252 with 12 homers and 53 RBIs – his lowest totals since 1999 with the Angels. But heading into the final season of a $19 million, two-year contract, he expects much better production from himself next season.