The St. Louis Cardinals enter a pivotal weekend series against the second-place Pittsburgh Pirates, who are chasing them in the N.L. Centra standings. John Axford's trade is the latest rumor out of St. Louis. The struggling righty will now change uniforms and play for the Milwaukee Brewers' division rival Cardinals. How smart is this move?
Well, right off the bat, Axford hasn't had impressive numbers since the year the Cardinals won the World Series, 2011. Back in those days at the age of 28, Axford led the league with 46 saves. He had a 1.95 ERA in 74 appearances. In 73.2 innings pitched, Axford had 86 strikeouts. The K's stayed there in 2012 as the reliever struck out 93 batters in 69.1 innings pitched, but he saved 35 games with a 4.67 ERA and a 5-8 record.
This season hasn't treated Axford any better. He's 6-7 with a 4.45 ERA in 54.2 innings pitched, recording 54 strikeouts and surrendering 10 home runs, which matches his career high. So what value did the Cardinals find in trading for Axford?
First of all; the finances. Axford would be a cheap acquisition. If the Cardinals can correct his pitching issue, assuming it's only mechanical troubles affecting his numbers, he'd become a bargain and a force out of the bullpen. Entering Friday, the Cardinals' bullpen is just average. They rank 14th in baseball with a 3.56 ERA. Adding Axford could help them greatly since he can at least strike hitters out in pressure situations.
Another reason why Axford could work in St. Louis; the stakes are high. The Cardinals are contending. Back in 2011, the Brewers were winning. Then in 2012, the Brewers struggled, getting nowhere and finishing third in the N.L. Central. The competitive state of the Cardinals' organization could rewire Axford's nature and convert him into a force out of their bullpen.
The final reason, under the right circumstances, Axford has been the Pirates' kryptonite. His ERA isn't the best, it's actually terrible as Axford has allowed four runs in 6.1 innings pitched. However, he has struck out nine batters, giving him the most against any single team.
The Cardinals travel to Pittsburgh where they will face the Pirates in a three-game series that will immediately affect the standings.
