2001 Fleer Focus #152 Fernando Tatis
The Cardinals received Tatis from the Texas Rangers along with Darren Oliver and a player-to-be-named later (Mark Little) on August 9, 1998 in exchange for Todd Stottlemyre and Royce Clayton. It seemed like a lop-sided trade at the time. Stottlemyre was once a force in the rotation, but was battling injuries. Clayton was the man that pushed Ozzie Smith out of St. Louis.
While Darren Oliver didn't provide much for the Cardinals (but we'll get back to him), Tatis was a welcome addition at third base, providing some pop with the bat and recording an MVP-like season in 1999.
As mentioned, Oliver didn't do much for the Cardinals and he was allowed to leave via free agency after the 1999 season, but that isn't where this story ends. After bouncing around the Major Leagues for ten years, Oliver landed back in Texas with the Rangers in 2009. His stay there lasted long enough for him to make an appearance in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series against (who else) the St. Louis Cardinals. Darren gave up a two-run lead in the bottom of the tenth inning, allowing the Cardinals to tie the game. Coincidence? We think not.
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