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Cards & Brewers Announce 4-Player Trade;
All Star Second Baseman Fernando Vina Is Newest Redbird
December 20, 1999
ST. LOUIS, December 20, 1999 - The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have completed a four-player trade with the Milwaukee Brewers in which they have acquired All-Star second baseman Fernando Vina in exchange for righthanded pitcher Juan Acevedo and two minor league players to be named later.
Vina, 30, fills the Cardinals need for a true leadoff hitter, something they have been lacking over the past several seasons. "Fernando is the type of player we have been seeking for some time," said Cardinals' Vice President/General Manager Walt Jocketty. "He is a proven leadoff hitter who runs well, plays solid defense, and will serve as a catalyst for our offense."
Vina was bothered by injuries to both his left leg and right knee for much of the 1999 season, appearing in just 37 games with the Brewers. He did however hit safely in 24 of 30 games before suffering an injury to his left quadriceps muscle on May 9, and he made just one error in 37 games played at second base.
The 1998 season was an entirely different story, as Vina put together a stellar season, both at the plate and in the field, earning selection to the National League All-Star team. During the '98 campaign, the Brewers' first in the National League, Vina batted a career-best .311 with seven home runs, 45 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. He ranked third in the majors in both batting average (.311) among leadoff hitters and batting average with runners in scoring position (.389).
The 5-9, 170-pound Vina owns a career .282 batting average with 22 HR's, 172 RBIs and 66 stolen bases. Over the past five seasons, Vina has posted a .350 on-base percentage while batting in the leadoff spot, including a .284 batting average. He has also compiled more walks (156) than strikeouts (152) over his career.
The lefthanded hitting Vina was originally drafted by the New York Mets in the ninth round of the June, 1990, amateur draft. He was then drafted by Seattle during the 1992 Rule V draft, and played 24 games for the Mariners in 1993 before being returned to the Mets in June of that season. After playing 79 games for New York in 1994, Vina was traded to the Brewers on December 22, 1994 in a deal for pitcher John Henry.
A native of Sacramento, Calif., Vina (VEEN-ya) attended both Sacramento City College and Arizona State University. He also played for Team USA in 1989 when they traveled to Cuba.
With the addition of Vina, the Cardinals lineup will now feature three All-Stars amongst the infielders, including first baseman Mark McGwire, shortstop Edgar Renteria and Vina; and yet another - third baseman Fernando Tatis - whose 1999 season approached All-Star proportions.
Acevedo, 29, finished the 1999 season with a 6-8 won-loss record and a 5.89 earned run average in 50 games (including 12 starts). He saved 15 games for the Cardinals in 1998, but had just four rescues for the Redbirds this past year. His career totals include a 21-18 mark and a 4.61 ERA.
Official Web Site of the St. Louis Cardinals
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