After a couple of days of talking, the Cardinals and Angels finally agreed to a trade yesterday sending David Freese and Fernando Salas to the Angels for Peter Bourjos and prospect Randal Grichuk.
When I first heard the news, I wasn't too thrilled with the idea. First, Freese, who hits lefties pretty well, could provide the Cardinals with a platoon option for Kolten Wong. Second, what do the Cardinals need with another outfielder?
However, the more I looked into Bourjos' stats, the more I liked him. He is generally considered one of the best center fielders in baseball. Per Fangraphs, his 20.2 UZR/150 since 2010 is the highest in all of baseball during that time.
In addition, his platoon splits do not scream part-time player (like Freese's do). For his career, he has a .706 OPS against lefties and a .703 OPS against righties. You can't get much closer than that.
Granted, Freese has a career .783 OPS and is arguably the better hitter than Bourjos, but Bourjos' defense more than makes up for it. During his career, Freese has a cumulative WAR of 8.2, however, Bourjos' career WAR is 9.0 in 619 fewer at bats.
Bourjos will take over center field for Jon Jay and Wong will take Freese's spot in the lineup, playing second while Matt Carpenter moves over his natural third base position. Thus, not only will the center field defense improve, but the infield defense should as well.
The only drawback I can see is that there is now no spot for Oscar Taveras, as some had suggested he could take over center for Jay. However, Taveras has to prove himself healthy next season, after missing significant time with an ankle injury. Once he does, the Cardinals will find a spot for him.
Finally, I haven't even talked about the other piece the Cardinals got, Grichuk. Grichuk ranked 6th among the Angels top prospects prior to the 2013 season, according to Baseball America. Grichuk had 22 homers in AA last season, but hit only .256. In general, he shows above average power, but is a bit of a free-swinger.
Overall, the general consensus is that it was a good deal for the Cardinals and I see no reason to disagree.
Showing posts with label Fernando Salas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fernando Salas. Show all posts
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Is Trevor Rosenthal following Jason Motte's career path?
Stop me if you've heard this one before--guy spends most of the season as a setup man, then the incumbent closer struggles, opening the door for him to take over.
Back in 2011, that guy was Jason Motte. This year, that guy appears to be Trevor Rosenthal.
First, a bit of history. Back in 2011, the Cardinals were struggling to find a closer after incumbent Ryan Franklin imploded in April. The Cardinals tried a few different guys, such as Mitchell Boggs and Eduardo Sanchez, before Fernando Salas stepped up and took hold of the job.
Salas was very good as the Cards closer, with only 3 blown saves in 25 tries through August 11th. However, a couple blown saves in a row and some excellent pitching by Motte, who threw 33 consecutive scoreless innings, led manager Tony Larussa to make the change.
Motte earned his first save on August 28th. He finished the season with 9 and was the Cardinals closer throughout the playoffs and World Series.
Fast forward to 2013 and it appears that Rosenthal is in the same boat.
The Cardinals lost Motte to TJ surgery in April and scrambled to find a replacement. They tried Mitchell Boggs (again) before Edward Mujica stepped up and claimed the role.
Mujica was excellent for the Cards for most of the season, saving 35 games with only two blown saves through the end of August. However, general fatigue has led to general ineffectiveness for Mujica and he has blown 2 of 4 saves in September, leading Matheny to indicate that he would go with a closer by committee.
Enter Rosenthal, who came on last night to record a 2-out save, the first of his career, and has the stuff to take hold of the role and never let go.
Although Matheny is saying that he is going with a committee approach, I would be shocked if Rosenthal is not "the guy".
The last 5 games of the season could be his trial period and, if he succeeds, look for Rosenthal to be closing in the postseason.
Back in 2011, that guy was Jason Motte. This year, that guy appears to be Trevor Rosenthal.
First, a bit of history. Back in 2011, the Cardinals were struggling to find a closer after incumbent Ryan Franklin imploded in April. The Cardinals tried a few different guys, such as Mitchell Boggs and Eduardo Sanchez, before Fernando Salas stepped up and took hold of the job.
Salas was very good as the Cards closer, with only 3 blown saves in 25 tries through August 11th. However, a couple blown saves in a row and some excellent pitching by Motte, who threw 33 consecutive scoreless innings, led manager Tony Larussa to make the change.
Motte earned his first save on August 28th. He finished the season with 9 and was the Cardinals closer throughout the playoffs and World Series.
Fast forward to 2013 and it appears that Rosenthal is in the same boat.
The Cardinals lost Motte to TJ surgery in April and scrambled to find a replacement. They tried Mitchell Boggs (again) before Edward Mujica stepped up and claimed the role.
Mujica was excellent for the Cards for most of the season, saving 35 games with only two blown saves through the end of August. However, general fatigue has led to general ineffectiveness for Mujica and he has blown 2 of 4 saves in September, leading Matheny to indicate that he would go with a closer by committee.
Enter Rosenthal, who came on last night to record a 2-out save, the first of his career, and has the stuff to take hold of the role and never let go.
Although Matheny is saying that he is going with a committee approach, I would be shocked if Rosenthal is not "the guy".
The last 5 games of the season could be his trial period and, if he succeeds, look for Rosenthal to be closing in the postseason.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Bad news for Cardinals pitchers Jaime Garcia, Jake Westbrook and Fernando Salas. Eduardo Sanchez claimed on waivers
It was another rough couple days for Cardinals pitching.
First, according to Jennifer Langosch, Jake Westbook had to cut his bullpen session short today after 20 pitches due to experiencing more discomfort in his elbow. Its unclear as to how long this will set him back or what the next step will be.
This follows up the news that Jaime Garcia is likely done for the season, as he will undergo shoulder surgery. Combined with the news on Westbrook, the calls for Michael Wacha will only get louder.
Second, Fernando Salas had to be placed on the DL yesterday, with what is described as right shoulder irritation. This is a tough blow for an already shaky bullpen. Salas was one of the bright spots so far this year, with a 3.86 ERA in 16.1 innings.
Finally, Eduardo Sanchez was claimed off waivers by the Cubs. Once considered one of the Cardinals top 10 prospects by Baseball America and a potential closer, Sanchez saved 5 games for the Cards in 2011 before elbow and control issues set him back. He has since been leap-frogged by guys like Trevor Rosenthal, Carlos Martinez and others.
With the Cardinals needing to make room for tonight's starter, Tyler Lyons, on the 40-man roster, Sanchez was the odd man out. I would have liked to see someone else go, especially given the Cards bullpen issues, however, the Cardinals have obviously lost patience with Sanchez. He should have more of an opportunity with the rebuilding Cubs going foward.
Overall, not a good day or so for the Cardinals. Their pitching keeps taking hits and yet the team continues to find ways to adapt. The Cards pitching depth is certainly being tested this year.
First, according to Jennifer Langosch, Jake Westbook had to cut his bullpen session short today after 20 pitches due to experiencing more discomfort in his elbow. Its unclear as to how long this will set him back or what the next step will be.
This follows up the news that Jaime Garcia is likely done for the season, as he will undergo shoulder surgery. Combined with the news on Westbrook, the calls for Michael Wacha will only get louder.
Second, Fernando Salas had to be placed on the DL yesterday, with what is described as right shoulder irritation. This is a tough blow for an already shaky bullpen. Salas was one of the bright spots so far this year, with a 3.86 ERA in 16.1 innings.
Finally, Eduardo Sanchez was claimed off waivers by the Cubs. Once considered one of the Cardinals top 10 prospects by Baseball America and a potential closer, Sanchez saved 5 games for the Cards in 2011 before elbow and control issues set him back. He has since been leap-frogged by guys like Trevor Rosenthal, Carlos Martinez and others.
With the Cardinals needing to make room for tonight's starter, Tyler Lyons, on the 40-man roster, Sanchez was the odd man out. I would have liked to see someone else go, especially given the Cards bullpen issues, however, the Cardinals have obviously lost patience with Sanchez. He should have more of an opportunity with the rebuilding Cubs going foward.
Overall, not a good day or so for the Cardinals. Their pitching keeps taking hits and yet the team continues to find ways to adapt. The Cards pitching depth is certainly being tested this year.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Jason Motte has torn UCL. Could Michael Wacha be an option as closer?
According to Jennifer Langosch, an MRI on Jason Motte's arm today revealed a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament. He will be shut down until May 1st and then checked again for any improvement. If none, he will likely undergo Tommy John surgery.
This is a big blow for a Cardinals bullpen that has struggled so far this year.
With their closer likely out for the year and Trevor Rosenthal (2 blown saves) and Mitchell Boggs (1 blown save, 14.54 ERA) struggling, the Cardinals could look to other options to fill the closer role.
Here are some possibilities:
Edward Mujica
Mujica has been very effective since the Cards acquired him from the Marlins last summer, posting a 1.21 ERA in 29.2 IP. He main asset is his control, allowing only 1.2 BB/9 with the Cards and 1.5 BB/9 for his career. However, he only has 4 saves in his career.
Fernando Salas
Salas closed for the Cardinals in 2011, compiling 24 saves and a sparkling 2.28 ERA, but struggled last year (4.30 ERA) and hasn't fared much better in the early going this year 8.10 ERA.
Eduardo Sanchez
Sanchez is another former closer for the Cards, having saved 5 games in 2011. However, he struggled with his command last year (34 walks in 42.2 IP) and, although he has shown better form this year, the Cardinals will likely want him to prove himself in a lesser role before handing the closer reigns over to him.
Carlos Martinez
Martinez has the 2 pitch arsenal to be a good closer in the majors, with a blazing fastball that sits in the high 90's and a biting curveball. However, visa issues delayed his start to the season and he is currently in extended spring training.
Michael Wacha
Wacha surprised many with a strong spring this year and showed last year that he is comfortable pitching out of the pen, posting a 0.86 ERA in 21 IP (mostly in relief). However, the Cardinals would probably prefer to keep him as a starter to help him develop his pitches.
Overall, the Cardinals will probably give Boggs and/or Rosenthal a long leash, but beyond Boggs and Rosenthal, the best bet for saves would probably be Mujica. Wacha could be a possibility, but the Cards would have to be desperate to turn to him (which just might happen, the way things are going).
This is a big blow for a Cardinals bullpen that has struggled so far this year.
With their closer likely out for the year and Trevor Rosenthal (2 blown saves) and Mitchell Boggs (1 blown save, 14.54 ERA) struggling, the Cardinals could look to other options to fill the closer role.
Here are some possibilities:
Edward Mujica
Mujica has been very effective since the Cards acquired him from the Marlins last summer, posting a 1.21 ERA in 29.2 IP. He main asset is his control, allowing only 1.2 BB/9 with the Cards and 1.5 BB/9 for his career. However, he only has 4 saves in his career.
Fernando Salas
Salas closed for the Cardinals in 2011, compiling 24 saves and a sparkling 2.28 ERA, but struggled last year (4.30 ERA) and hasn't fared much better in the early going this year 8.10 ERA.
Eduardo Sanchez
Sanchez is another former closer for the Cards, having saved 5 games in 2011. However, he struggled with his command last year (34 walks in 42.2 IP) and, although he has shown better form this year, the Cardinals will likely want him to prove himself in a lesser role before handing the closer reigns over to him.
Carlos Martinez
Martinez has the 2 pitch arsenal to be a good closer in the majors, with a blazing fastball that sits in the high 90's and a biting curveball. However, visa issues delayed his start to the season and he is currently in extended spring training.
Michael Wacha
Wacha surprised many with a strong spring this year and showed last year that he is comfortable pitching out of the pen, posting a 0.86 ERA in 21 IP (mostly in relief). However, the Cardinals would probably prefer to keep him as a starter to help him develop his pitches.
Overall, the Cardinals will probably give Boggs and/or Rosenthal a long leash, but beyond Boggs and Rosenthal, the best bet for saves would probably be Mujica. Wacha could be a possibility, but the Cards would have to be desperate to turn to him (which just might happen, the way things are going).
Monday, April 8, 2013
Cardinals bullpen is struggling without Jason Motte
After a quality start against the Reds today, Jaime Garcia got to sit on the bench and watch the Cardinals bullpen implode, costing him a win and the Cards the game.
Trevor Rosenthal started it off by blowing a save in the 8th, giving up a run to tie the game, before Mitchell Boggs and Marc Rzepczynski came on in the 9th to allow a combined 9 runs and make a close game into a laugher.
However, this is nothing new for the Cardinals.
Back in 2011, the Cardinals tried everything but the kitchen sink in an attempt to shore up their bullpen. After incumbent closer Ryan Franklin's effectiveness finally deserted him, the Cards turned to a variety of relievers to plug the gap. Mitchell Boggs, Eduardo Sanchez and Fernando Salas all tooks turns at closer before Jason Motte finally stepped up in September to claim the role.
The result was an incredible 26 blown saves during the year, second only to the Nationals, who had 27.
With Motte firmly entrenched in the closer role in 2012, you would think the Cardinals would have improved on that blown saves number, and they did, only blowing 22 saves. However, that still put them as the 3rd worst team in the NL, behind the Brewers (29) and Rockies (27).
This year, the Cardials are showing just how much they are missing Motte. Through 7 games, the Cardinals already have3 blown saves.
Thus, Cardinals fans everywhere will be crossing their fingers as Motte undergoes an MRI tomorrow to check on his recovery from his flexor tendon strain. A healthy Motte would allow the Cards to return Rosenthal and Boggs to their more comfortable roles in the 7th and 8th innings.
The good news is that, even with all the blown saves the last two years, the Cardinals have still made it to the playoffs each year, winning the World Series in 2011 and nearly winning the pennant in 2012. The bad news is....well, let's just say Get Well Soon Jason!!!
Trevor Rosenthal started it off by blowing a save in the 8th, giving up a run to tie the game, before Mitchell Boggs and Marc Rzepczynski came on in the 9th to allow a combined 9 runs and make a close game into a laugher.
However, this is nothing new for the Cardinals.
Back in 2011, the Cardinals tried everything but the kitchen sink in an attempt to shore up their bullpen. After incumbent closer Ryan Franklin's effectiveness finally deserted him, the Cards turned to a variety of relievers to plug the gap. Mitchell Boggs, Eduardo Sanchez and Fernando Salas all tooks turns at closer before Jason Motte finally stepped up in September to claim the role.
The result was an incredible 26 blown saves during the year, second only to the Nationals, who had 27.
With Motte firmly entrenched in the closer role in 2012, you would think the Cardinals would have improved on that blown saves number, and they did, only blowing 22 saves. However, that still put them as the 3rd worst team in the NL, behind the Brewers (29) and Rockies (27).
This year, the Cardials are showing just how much they are missing Motte. Through 7 games, the Cardinals already have3 blown saves.
Thus, Cardinals fans everywhere will be crossing their fingers as Motte undergoes an MRI tomorrow to check on his recovery from his flexor tendon strain. A healthy Motte would allow the Cards to return Rosenthal and Boggs to their more comfortable roles in the 7th and 8th innings.
The good news is that, even with all the blown saves the last two years, the Cardinals have still made it to the playoffs each year, winning the World Series in 2011 and nearly winning the pennant in 2012. The bad news is....well, let's just say Get Well Soon Jason!!!
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