(BaseballStL) -- The Cardinals didn't get much in return for trading Skip Schumaker to the Dodgers. Jake Lemmerman hit a robust .233 in Class AA last season. He probably doesn't even project as a future major leaguer. He'd have to make major improvements with the bat to figure in the Cardinals future.
This trade was clearly done as a favor to Schumaker, who gave the Cardinals all he had for eight seasons. He was a career .288 hitter for the Cards, and three times hit better than .300. Schumaker tailed off badly this season however, and found playing time difficult to get. He was pretty much a non-factor down the stretch and in the playoffs, as the Cardinals decided to go with the better defensive player at second base in Daniel Descalso.
By sending Schumaker to the Dodgers, he'll be re-united with hitting coach Mark McGwire. He'll be close to his off-season home in Southern California. He's also going to a team that apparently has an unlimited payroll. The Dodgers have spent $230 million on free agents this off-season. It's definitely a great situation for Schumaker.
Schumaker was a very popular player in the Cardinals clubhouse. He was always great with the fans and the media, and there was never a doubt that he was giving a 100 percent every time he stepped on the field. He was a contributor on two teams that won World Series championships. He a nice run in St. Louis and will be remember fondly by Cardinals fans. I wish him the best in Los Angeles. Hopefully he can get more playing time with the Dodgers and once again earn a starting job.
