This is a huge upgrade for the Cards, who still are being pushed by the Reds in the NL Central. Rolen was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1997, an All-Star starter in 2001 and a three-time Gold Glover. He's averaged 26 homers and 95 RBIs a season in his first five years. Although his batting average is nothing to brag about this season, he'll probably drive in 100 runs, and he's been good in the second half, hitting .302 last season with 17 homers and 55 RBIs after the break. The Cards already had a potent lineup; now it might be the best in the NL. All the Cards had to give up was a young starter who wasn't doing them any good this season (Smith), a solid but unspectacular set-up man (Timlin) and a capable replacement for Rolen (Polanco). And if they like Rolen, and he likes them, there's always the chance they can sign him to a long-term contract after the season.
The Phillies, maybe the most disappointing team in the majors this year, made the best of a bad situation. They were stuck. They wanted to keep their third baseman, offering the would-be free agent $140 million last November. But that was the high point of the relationship. When Rolen turned down the contract, everything turned south. He feuded with manager Larry Bowa and the front office. He cold-shouldered his teammates, who cold-shouldered him back. And, of course, the infamous Philly fans were none too fond of him, either. Placido Polanco is an OK replacement, especially on defense, but he's no All-Star. The same is true for veteran reliever Mike Timlin. The key for the Phils in this deal is lefty Bud Smith, who threw a no-hitter last year for the Cards. If Smith, bothered by a sore shoulder this season, can regain his rookie form, the Phils have at least saved a little face with this deal.
THE BOTTOM LINE by CNNSI.com's John Donovan
After holding off on trading Rolen, probably for way too long, Philly GM Ed Wade finally decided something was better than nothing. And Smith, the main player in this deal for the Phillies, could be something. A 22-year-old with a mean curve and a knee-buckling change, Smith was 6-3 last year with a 3.83 ERA and a no-hitter. Injuries have pushed back his progress this season, but he's way too young to give up on. He's the only hope for the Phils that this trade pays off in the long run. For St. Louis, this was a for-the-moment trade that could work out in the long run as well. The Cards get help immediately in their bid for the NL Central title, getting a boost from Rolen's glove and his bat. And, if both sides can work the finances, the 27-year-old Rolen may consider signing a long-term deal with the tradition-rich Cards after the season. If he does -- Mark McGwire and Jim Edmonds did -- this could be the start of something really, really special in St. Louis.
This is a huge upgrade for the Cards, who still are being pushed by the Reds in the NL Central. Rolen was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1997, an All-Star starter in 2001 and a three-time Gold Glover. He's averaged 26 homers and 95 RBIs a season in his first five years. Although his batting average is nothing to brag about this season, he'll probably drive in 100 runs, and he's been good in the second half, hitting .302 last season with 17 homers and 55 RBIs after the break. The Cards already had a potent lineup; now it might be the best in the NL. All the Cards had to give up was a young starter who wasn't doing them any good this season (Smith), a solid but unspectacular set-up man (Timlin) and a capable replacement for Rolen (Polanco). And if they like Rolen, and he likes them, there's always the chance they can sign him to a long-term contract after the season.
The Phillies, maybe the most disappointing team in the majors this year, made the best of a bad situation. They were stuck. They wanted to keep their third baseman, offering the would-be free agent $140 million last November. But that was the high point of the relationship. When Rolen turned down the contract, everything turned south. He feuded with manager Larry Bowa and the front office. He cold-shouldered his teammates, who cold-shouldered him back. And, of course, the infamous Philly fans were none too fond of him, either. 
