From ESPN, according to "league sources":
The Athletics and Cardinals are close to completing a trade that would send outfielder Matt Holliday to St. Louis in exchange for third baseman Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Peterson and right-handed pitcher Clayton Mortensen
Wallace is one of the Cardinals' brightest hitting prospects, but there are some questions about him playing 3B long term, and whispers that he may have to move to 1B. Obviously, the Cardinals are all set there for a decade or so, but Wallace has a very bright future at the plate, regardless.
Peterson was a star in the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2007, which is the premier summer league in the country for college players. He's also an excellent young hitter, and more of a contact hitter than a power hitter.
Mortensen was doing great in AAA this year, but got roughed up a bit in his major league debut earlier this year. He looks to have a bright future regardless, as he's only 24 years old and has pitched well on almost every level.
This looks like a great deal for both sides if it goes through. The A's are getting some high quality prospects for Holliday, who they were planning on trading from the moment they acquired him, and the Cardinals get a much-needed extra bat. Holliday has been hitting well lately, and one can only assume that being in the same lineup as Albert Pujols will help.
UPDATE: Looks like the deal is official, including the above terms, and the Athletics are kicking in $1.5M as well.




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