Jim Freakin Edmonds Is A Red

The Cincinnati Reds obtained the services of OF/1B Jim Edmonds from the Milwaukee Brewers.  The Reds gave up Chris Dickerson, who had been on the Reds 60-day disabled list but was nearing the end of a rehab assignment.

This post trade deadline deal meant that both players had to clear waivers.

Edmonds was called Jim "Freakin" Edmonds by former WXIX broadcaster, Dan Hoard.  If Edmonds wasn't stealing a home run from Reds players with his glove, he was beating the Reds by hitting one.

He was a big part of the St. Louis Cardinals playoff teams.

"We wanted an experienced player down the stretch,"  Cincinnati General Manager, Walt Jocketty said.

Jocketty was interested in signing Edmonds over the winter but Milwaukee beat him to the punch.  Edmonds was hitting .286 with eight home runs and 20 RBI for the Brewers.  He is in centerfield batting fifth tonight against his former teammates in St. Louis.

Jocketty was the GM for the Cardinals when they obtained him from the California Angels in 2000.

"The guy can still play," Reds Manager Dusty Baker said.  "He brings a quality glove and quality bat.  It helps to have a player that's been through a pennant race.  He gives us options late in the game."

The Reds made room for Edmonds by optioning Travis Wood to Louisville.

With the days off he wasn't scheduled to pitch until August 18.  The Reds will throw him against Arizona on August 19.  Meanwhile Wood will take his normal turn in Louisville.

"He certainly didn't do anything to be sent down," Baker said.  "We told him that.  Both he and (Mike) Leake are in uncharted waters.  Wood had never pitched past August and Leake hasn't either."