Well, the Cardinals traded a decent starter and a reliever having a good year for two Rangers' prospects in the #11-15 range (plus a big league reliever). But far be it for me to equate actual prospect numbers -- or assume St. Lou would prefer guys from the Sox' 4th-ranked farm, compared to Texas' 7th-ranked farm, per fangraphs.
All Cora really needed was one. more. legitimate. starting. pitcher in the Toronto series -- instead of having to use back-to-back openers, which caused poor Pablo to burn out his shotputting shoulder heaving 37 mph Leephuses.
One win -- instead of getting swept by the Jays -- and the two clubs would be tied today in the loss column... of course, they'd both be chasing the sizzling Mariners.