Prospectus Hit List: Deadline Drama

9. Cardinals (Steady)

Reason to Celebrate: The Cardinals acquire Matt Holliday in a deal for 2008 first-round pick Brett Wallace, a deal reminiscent of last year's CC Sabathia swap in that a team unflinchingly drafted a near-ready player blocked in their own organization by a superstar, then converted him into a blockbuster acquisition at their earliest convenience. Holliday goes 4-for-5 in his debut, and collects at least one walk, one double, and one RBI in each of his first four games; he's 19-for-38 with 10 extra-base hits since July 19. Also good: Mark DeRosa, whose homers in three straight games suggest his wrist isn't hurt too badly.

Baseball Prospectus