NASHVILLE, Tenn. • It took Jedd Gyorko leaving San Diego for an unappealing demotion to the minors to find a swing the Cardinals coveted. It will take Jon Jay going to San Diego to find the playing time the Cardinals couldn’t give him.
These directions pointed both teams toward a trade Tuesday.
In their first move of the winter meetings, the Cardinals acquired the utility infielder they sought in Gyorko while also sending veteran and former starting center fielder Jay to the Padres. The deal also included cash to offset some of the $33 million remaining on Gyorko’s contract, which is guaranteed through 2019.