MINNEAPOLIS — As the Cardinals started to realize the likelihood of trading Jose Martinez to Tampa Bay in a deal that centered, for them, around lefty prospect Matthew Liberatore, they had to quick pull back on another deal they were close to finalizing.
The Cardinals had agreed with a team in the KBO for Rangel Ravelo. The corner infielder would have a chance to make some additional money abroad, and he would have a surefire, guaranteed role.
With Martinez on the move, the Cardinals now had that for him.
They eased back on the deal with the team from the KBO, talked to Ravelo about sticking with them, and soon after completed the deal with the Rays.