The Cardinals have agreed to a deal to send centerfielder Jim Edmonds to the Padres in exchange for David Freese. From the Cardinals site:

Freese, who will turn 25 in April, was selected in the ninth-round of 2006’s First-Year Player Draft. After an impressive pro debut split between short-season Eugene and low Class A Fort Wayne, he had a big year at high Class A Lake Elsinore in his first full pro season. Freese hit .302 with a .400 on-base percentage, a .489 slugging percentage, 17 home runs, 69 walks, 96 RBIs and 102 runs scored.

OK, so I like this idea, though I imagine saying goodbye to Edmonds this way is difficult for Cardinal nation. Either way, though, his time with the team was short. He is 37.

Edmonds has full 10-and-five no-trade protection as a result of having 10 years’ Major League service time, including the past five with the same team. However, he hails from Orange County, Calif., making San Diego an appealing destination. Edmonds has hinted that 2008, the final season on his current contract, could be his last year in the big leagues before retirement.

So far, I’ve seen no comment from George Grande.