The trade market just got a whole lot more interesting.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Texas Rangers have made it be known that they are willing to listen on anyone.
What does that mean to the Cardinals?
Well, for one thing, they could possibly pursue someone like Elvis Andrus, who would give the team a better defensive shortstop than Jhonny Peralta, and allow them to move Peralta to second.
The Cards second basemen, led by Kolten Wong, have struggled on offense and the addition of Andrus could certainly give the team's offense a boost.
Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch suggested that the Cardinals could look for an upgrade at second. However, the cost for Andrus could prove prohibitive.
While looking for ways to improve the offense is all well and good, I think the Cards should focus their attention on Joakim Soria.
The Cardinals bullpen has seen its share of ups and downs so far this year. While Jason Motte has come back from Tommy John surgery and pitched well, his velocity is down from his pre-surgery days and he has lost some of his former dominance as a result.
In addition, losing Kevin Siegrist to injury and Carlos Martinez to the starting rotation has also depleted the bullpen. Therefore, adding another quality arm to the pen makes sense.
In the past the Cards have gone after struggling relievers like Edward Mujica and John Axford, who they were able to get for cheap, and were able to turn them around. However, their luck is bound to run out at some point. Why not get a proven guy for once to strengthen the back end of the pen?
Soria has been downright nasty this season with a 1.75 ERA and a 35/3 K/BB ratio in 25.2 IP. Adding him to the pen would help ease the burden on the Cardinals current closer, Trevor Rosenthal, so that he no longer has to pitch 1.1 innings and throw 41 pitches to nail down the save (and then be expected to throw again the next day).
Finally, while landing a quality reliever like Soria would cost the Cardinals more in terms of prospects, he would not be just a summer rental. Soria is signed through the 2014 season at $5.5 million, but has a $7 million option for 2015. With Motte, who is earning $7 million this season, potentially becoming a free agent after this season, if the Cards cannot resign him, then they can just pick up Soria's option to replace him.
Overall, I think it would be a good move for the Cards, unless the Rangers start asking for a king's ransom in return. The hope is that the offense will finally kick into gear and the starting pitching will get healthy, leaving the bullpen as the only area of need.
Showing posts with label Jason Motte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jason Motte. Show all posts
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
What are the Cardinals' needs as we get ready for trading season?
With the MLB first year player draft out of the way, the focus now shifts to the next big event, the July 31st (waiver-free) trade deadline. The Cardinals have been scuffling all year and could certainly use some help, but what exactly are their needs as the deadline approaches?
Bullpen
The top priority for John Mozeliak should be to find bullpen help.
The Cardinals bullpen has a 5-11 record with a 3.67 ERA. While the ERA is not too bad, as a team they are tied with the Cubs for 5th worst in the NL with 10 blown saves.
Their closer, Trevor Rosenthal, has struggled all year with his control (4.9 BB/9, over double his 2.4 mark from 2013). Top setup man, Carlos Martinez, has a 4.32 ERA and their best lefty, Kevin Siegrist, is on the DL, and, while 2012 closer Jason Motte has returned from Tommy John surgery, can Mike Matheny lean on him as heavily as he has the others?
The Cardinals have done an excellent job the last two years of acquiring struggling relievers from other teams and helping them turn things around for the stretch run.
In 2012, it was Edward Mujica, who the Cards acquired from Miami for prospect Zack Cox. Mujica had a 4.38 ERA with the Marlins prior to the trade and a 1.03 ERA with the Redbirds. He went on to serve as the Cardinals closer for much of the 2013 season, before tiring down the stretch.
In 2013, the Cardinals acquired John Axford from the Brewers for reliever Michael Blazek. Axford had a 4.45 ERA with the Brew Crew, but posted a 1.74 ERA with the Cards.
Its a little early to tell exactly who might be available, but someone like J.J. Putz of the Diamondbacks fits the profile. He has struggled this year with injuries (forearm) and ineffectiveness (4.91 ERA), so he could be had for cheap (if you don't count the prorated portion of his $7.0 million contract) and could provide the Cards pen with a boost.
A Big Splash
Perhaps what this team needs to wake from their doldrums is for Mozeliak to make a big splash at the trade deadline and land the big fish. Other than shoring up the bullpen, this is the only other move I think that the Cardinals could make to light a fire under this team.
Ken Rosenthal is just the latest writer to suggest that the Cardinals go after a big name pitcher, such as the Rays' David Price or the Royals' James Shields, because, well, pitching.
The Cardinals certainly have the minor league talent to land a big target. They could offer up one of their AAA outfielders (such as Randal Grichuk or Stephen Piscotty), a young pitcher or two (Carlos Martinez, John Gast, Tyler Lyons, Marco Gonzales, etc) and perhaps even someone like Matt Adams.
It would take a lot to land one of the big fish, but it just may be the spark that this team needs.
Of course, one might say that its the offense that needs a boost, so why not go after a big hitter. Well, for one thing, where would you put him? The team is pretty much set at all their positions and its really the struggles of veterans like Allen Craig and Matt Holliday that have caused the offense to sputter, so should the team really use its resources to land another hitter and try to squeeze him into the lineup?
In any case, it will be interesting to see what Mo does to shake up this team. Will he make a big splash or will he just make a small tweak? Perhaps the team's performance over the next month will decide.
Bullpen
The top priority for John Mozeliak should be to find bullpen help.
The Cardinals bullpen has a 5-11 record with a 3.67 ERA. While the ERA is not too bad, as a team they are tied with the Cubs for 5th worst in the NL with 10 blown saves.
Their closer, Trevor Rosenthal, has struggled all year with his control (4.9 BB/9, over double his 2.4 mark from 2013). Top setup man, Carlos Martinez, has a 4.32 ERA and their best lefty, Kevin Siegrist, is on the DL, and, while 2012 closer Jason Motte has returned from Tommy John surgery, can Mike Matheny lean on him as heavily as he has the others?
The Cardinals have done an excellent job the last two years of acquiring struggling relievers from other teams and helping them turn things around for the stretch run.
In 2012, it was Edward Mujica, who the Cards acquired from Miami for prospect Zack Cox. Mujica had a 4.38 ERA with the Marlins prior to the trade and a 1.03 ERA with the Redbirds. He went on to serve as the Cardinals closer for much of the 2013 season, before tiring down the stretch.
In 2013, the Cardinals acquired John Axford from the Brewers for reliever Michael Blazek. Axford had a 4.45 ERA with the Brew Crew, but posted a 1.74 ERA with the Cards.
Its a little early to tell exactly who might be available, but someone like J.J. Putz of the Diamondbacks fits the profile. He has struggled this year with injuries (forearm) and ineffectiveness (4.91 ERA), so he could be had for cheap (if you don't count the prorated portion of his $7.0 million contract) and could provide the Cards pen with a boost.
A Big Splash
Perhaps what this team needs to wake from their doldrums is for Mozeliak to make a big splash at the trade deadline and land the big fish. Other than shoring up the bullpen, this is the only other move I think that the Cardinals could make to light a fire under this team.
Ken Rosenthal is just the latest writer to suggest that the Cardinals go after a big name pitcher, such as the Rays' David Price or the Royals' James Shields, because, well, pitching.
The Cardinals certainly have the minor league talent to land a big target. They could offer up one of their AAA outfielders (such as Randal Grichuk or Stephen Piscotty), a young pitcher or two (Carlos Martinez, John Gast, Tyler Lyons, Marco Gonzales, etc) and perhaps even someone like Matt Adams.
It would take a lot to land one of the big fish, but it just may be the spark that this team needs.
Of course, one might say that its the offense that needs a boost, so why not go after a big hitter. Well, for one thing, where would you put him? The team is pretty much set at all their positions and its really the struggles of veterans like Allen Craig and Matt Holliday that have caused the offense to sputter, so should the team really use its resources to land another hitter and try to squeeze him into the lineup?
In any case, it will be interesting to see what Mo does to shake up this team. Will he make a big splash or will he just make a small tweak? Perhaps the team's performance over the next month will decide.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Why the Cardinals should sign Jason Motte to an extension.
Last year I made the case for letting Carlos Beltran walk when he became a free agent after the season. His age, asking price and the fact that the Cardinals could insert Matt Adams into the lineup made the decision relatively easy.
This year, Jason Motte is in the last year of his two-year, $12 million contract extension that he signed back in January 2013. Unfortunately for the team, Motte missed all of 2013 following Tommy John surgery and just recently made it back to the majors.
However, despite his injury and likely salary demands, I think the Cardinals should try to sign Motte to an extension.
For one thing, the team's seemingly endless supply of young power arms appears to be drying up. With Trevor Rosenthal, Kevin Siegrist, Carlos Martinez and Sam Freeman already in the big leagues, there are few power arms remaining in the high minors.
The result is that the Cardinals have lacked depth in their bullpen and thus have had to rely on guys like Keith Butler and Eric Fornataro with little success. In addition, one of the team's better relievers, Pat Neshek, will also become a free agent after the season, potentially leaving the Cards with another hole in their pen.
Another factor is the struggles of Trevor Rosenthal. After a stellar postseason in 2013 as the Cardinals closer, Rosenthal has not been able to carry that success to this season. He currently owns a 4.26 ERA and his walk rate has more than doubled from 2.4 BB/9 in 2013 to 4.9 BB/9 in 2014. His struggles raises concerns about his ability to hold the closer job long-term and Motte has proven he is more than capable of holding down the job.
Finally, while Motte has pitched fairly well so for this year, I expect him to be even better next season. As we saw with Adam Wainwright, it usually takes around 12 months to recover from Tommy John surgery, but around 18 months to 2 years to get back to where you were before.
Wainwright struggled in his first season back form TJ surgery, but proved last year that he was back to full strength and has been even better this year.
As Motte is no longer closing for the Cardinals (at least not yet anyway), they may be able to sign him to a team-friendly contract that could include incentives should he regain the closer role. In any case, the Cards could certainly use his arm in the pen for 2015 and beyond.
This year, Jason Motte is in the last year of his two-year, $12 million contract extension that he signed back in January 2013. Unfortunately for the team, Motte missed all of 2013 following Tommy John surgery and just recently made it back to the majors.
However, despite his injury and likely salary demands, I think the Cardinals should try to sign Motte to an extension.
For one thing, the team's seemingly endless supply of young power arms appears to be drying up. With Trevor Rosenthal, Kevin Siegrist, Carlos Martinez and Sam Freeman already in the big leagues, there are few power arms remaining in the high minors.
The result is that the Cardinals have lacked depth in their bullpen and thus have had to rely on guys like Keith Butler and Eric Fornataro with little success. In addition, one of the team's better relievers, Pat Neshek, will also become a free agent after the season, potentially leaving the Cards with another hole in their pen.
Another factor is the struggles of Trevor Rosenthal. After a stellar postseason in 2013 as the Cardinals closer, Rosenthal has not been able to carry that success to this season. He currently owns a 4.26 ERA and his walk rate has more than doubled from 2.4 BB/9 in 2013 to 4.9 BB/9 in 2014. His struggles raises concerns about his ability to hold the closer job long-term and Motte has proven he is more than capable of holding down the job.
Finally, while Motte has pitched fairly well so for this year, I expect him to be even better next season. As we saw with Adam Wainwright, it usually takes around 12 months to recover from Tommy John surgery, but around 18 months to 2 years to get back to where you were before.
Wainwright struggled in his first season back form TJ surgery, but proved last year that he was back to full strength and has been even better this year.
As Motte is no longer closing for the Cardinals (at least not yet anyway), they may be able to sign him to a team-friendly contract that could include incentives should he regain the closer role. In any case, the Cards could certainly use his arm in the pen for 2015 and beyond.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Cardinals are content to stand pat...for now
While many Cardinals fans may be panicking over the team's sluggish start, GM John Mozeliak is not. Both Rick Hummel and Ken Rosenthal posted articles recently indicating the the Cardinals GM is not looking to make a move any time soon.
However, that doesn't mean that one won't be coming in the future, as Mo says "That doesn’t mean we’re going to sit back and be complacent and do nothing. We’ll survey markets and see where we might go. It’s a little too early to say what we might chase.’’
The Cardinals offense has started to show signs of life and their bullpen will get a boost from the return of Jason Motte, so its hard to see where the Cards have a glaring need.
One area where the Cards have struggled is second base, where the team has a .207/.276/.250 line so far this season. However, since his return from the minors, Kolten Wong has gone 5 for 11 to raise his average to .256 and is starting to look like he belongs in the majors.
Another problem area has been right field, where Allen Craig resides. His .226/.281/.354 line is the main reason the Cardinals right fielders are hitting .203/.254/.326 as a group. However, Craig is still a career .297 hitter and its too soon to give up on him.
Finally, center field has been an issue for the Redbirds, where projected starter Peter Bourjos got off to a slow start, leading Manager Mike Matheny to play the defensively challenged Jon Jay more in the early going. However, Bourjos' bat has come alive in May, to the tune of .324/.390/.486, leading to more playing time for him and less talk of promoting Oscar Taveras.
Overall, the Cardinals have the talent and the depth to get on a hot streak and pass the fading Brewers. Once guys like Craig, Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter start hitting like they should, the wins should follow.
However, that doesn't mean that one won't be coming in the future, as Mo says "That doesn’t mean we’re going to sit back and be complacent and do nothing. We’ll survey markets and see where we might go. It’s a little too early to say what we might chase.’’
The Cardinals offense has started to show signs of life and their bullpen will get a boost from the return of Jason Motte, so its hard to see where the Cards have a glaring need.
One area where the Cards have struggled is second base, where the team has a .207/.276/.250 line so far this season. However, since his return from the minors, Kolten Wong has gone 5 for 11 to raise his average to .256 and is starting to look like he belongs in the majors.
Another problem area has been right field, where Allen Craig resides. His .226/.281/.354 line is the main reason the Cardinals right fielders are hitting .203/.254/.326 as a group. However, Craig is still a career .297 hitter and its too soon to give up on him.
Finally, center field has been an issue for the Redbirds, where projected starter Peter Bourjos got off to a slow start, leading Manager Mike Matheny to play the defensively challenged Jon Jay more in the early going. However, Bourjos' bat has come alive in May, to the tune of .324/.390/.486, leading to more playing time for him and less talk of promoting Oscar Taveras.
Overall, the Cardinals have the talent and the depth to get on a hot streak and pass the fading Brewers. Once guys like Craig, Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter start hitting like they should, the wins should follow.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Jason Motte's return should restore order to the Cardinals bullpen
Yesterday's loss to the Braves was cringe-worthy, to say the least. Trevor Rosenthal, working for the 4th straight day, didn't have enough gas left in the tank to finish off the Braves and they were able to score two runs in the 9th to beat the Cardinals.
Many are questioning why Mike Matheny would even use Rosenthal again in that situation, when he had Carlos Martinez warming up and Pat Neshek needed just 3 pitches to end the 8th inning.
I can understand Matheny's reluctance to use Martinez, who has a 5.87 ERA in May. But Neshek has been excellent so far this year and was making his first appearance since May 13th, so he was well rested.
Sometimes I think managers rely to much on the closer label than just going with what makes the most sense for that game.
In any case, things should get better soon.
Jason Motte is scheduled to come off the DL Tuesday and should quickly step into a prominent role in the Cardinals bullpen. Matheny indicated that he would not be afraid to use Motte in a "high-leverage situation."
It will be interesting to see who they send down when Motte is activated. I have long thought that Martinez would be the one to go, so that he could be stretched out as a starter again. However, with the bullpen issues, its more likely that Sam Freeman will be sent down and the Cards will go with their best relievers.
If that happens, Motte will ease some of the pressure on Kevin Siegrist, Neshek, Martinez and even Rosenthal, by giving Matheny one more reliable option to choose from late in a game. In addition, Seth Maness appears to have found his sinker again (0.00 ERA in 5.2 IP in May), Randy Choate will go back to being just another LOOGY (.167 average against vs lefties this season versus .400 vs righties) and all will be right in the world.
In any case, having Motte back can do nothing but help the Cardinals beleaguered bullpen.
Many are questioning why Mike Matheny would even use Rosenthal again in that situation, when he had Carlos Martinez warming up and Pat Neshek needed just 3 pitches to end the 8th inning.
I can understand Matheny's reluctance to use Martinez, who has a 5.87 ERA in May. But Neshek has been excellent so far this year and was making his first appearance since May 13th, so he was well rested.
Sometimes I think managers rely to much on the closer label than just going with what makes the most sense for that game.
In any case, things should get better soon.
Jason Motte is scheduled to come off the DL Tuesday and should quickly step into a prominent role in the Cardinals bullpen. Matheny indicated that he would not be afraid to use Motte in a "high-leverage situation."
It will be interesting to see who they send down when Motte is activated. I have long thought that Martinez would be the one to go, so that he could be stretched out as a starter again. However, with the bullpen issues, its more likely that Sam Freeman will be sent down and the Cards will go with their best relievers.
If that happens, Motte will ease some of the pressure on Kevin Siegrist, Neshek, Martinez and even Rosenthal, by giving Matheny one more reliable option to choose from late in a game. In addition, Seth Maness appears to have found his sinker again (0.00 ERA in 5.2 IP in May), Randy Choate will go back to being just another LOOGY (.167 average against vs lefties this season versus .400 vs righties) and all will be right in the world.
In any case, having Motte back can do nothing but help the Cardinals beleaguered bullpen.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Cardinals Mailbag
As part of the United Cardinals Bloggers May project, we created a mailbag format where each blogger is asked a question from a group of fellow Cardinals bloggers and provides a response to each.
As a result, here is the first CFCL mailbag (sponsored by the UCB):
Bill Ivie, I-70 Baseball - Your site is dedicated to your father, who you say "without whom my love for the Cardinals would have never been born." My father was very important to my love of the game and I'm intrigued. If you don't mind, could you share with us a story about your father and how he helped you come to love the Birds on the Bat instead of the Baby Bears?
Growing up in Normal, Illinois, the Cubs and Cardinals fans were pretty evenly split, however there was never a question as to which team I would root for. My dad spent the formative years of his life in Clayton, Missouri and once got to see Dizzy Dean pitch against Carl Hubbell. His love for the game and the Cardinals rubbed off on me and stays with me to this day.
As the beneficiary of a June birthday, my gift each year was to go down to St. Louis for a weekend Cardinals series with my family. While my sister never was really into baseball and my brother outgrew the sport and turned his interests to music, the love of baseball and the Cardinals is something my dad and I always shared.
Daniel Solzman, Redbird Rants - In your years of following the St. Louis Cardinals, what is your favorite moment?
There have been many great moments in my years of following the Cards, including the 2011 World Series game 6, attending Lou Brock day back when Brock was my favorite player and getting to shake hands with Willie McGee and Ozzie Smith at the Adams Mark hotel bar after a game.
However, my favorite memory has to be watching the 7th game of the 1982 World Series with my dad and brother in our living room. I sat in silence for a few seconds after Bruce Sutter struck out Gorman Thomas to win it, before joining my dad and brother in celebration.
After becoming a diehard Cardinals fan in the mid-1970's, getting to finally see the Cards win a World Series for the first time (in my lifetime) was a special moment for me and to be able to share it with my dad and brother made it that much more special.
Ben Chambers, The View From Here - What is the hardest part of being "behind enemy lines"?
Probably the hardest thing about living in the Chicago area, is the inability to follow the Cardinals as closely as I use to.
When I was growing up in Central Illinois, I listened to the Cards on the radio every night and watched the games regularly, when the Cardinals games were picked up by one of our local TV stations. Nowadays, I can only catch the Cards on national telecasts.
Other than that, the fans are tolerable (I'm married to one), especially now that they are rebuilding and you don't have fair-weather fans coming out of the woodwork. But, if they were to become relevant again, that could certainly change.
Dan Buffa, Dose of Buffa - Can you see any huge differences between this team under John Mabry as hitting coach as opposed to Mark McGwire?
You mean other than the fact that the Cardinals can't seem to score runs this year compared to prior years?
In all seriousness, I don't put a lot of stock in hitting coaches having a significant impact on a team. For the most part, hitters know their swing and can tell when they are out of sync and the coach can help them tweak things on occassion.
Its rare that you are going to change a hitters approach once they reach the major leagues (see Colby Rasmus), so the main thing that I think a hitting coach does is to help hitters who are struggling sort out their mechanics and all that entails is watching some video.
Daniel Shoptaw, C70 At The Bat - What one move would you make to shake up this team and get it out of the .500 doldrums?
I don't know if there is one move that will shake up this team and get it back on track, as the biggest issue has been the lack of offense. The only thing Mike Matheny can do about that is to keep trotting the under-performers, like Allen Craig, out there in hopes that they can get hot.
Other than that, guys getting healthy, like Jason Motte and even Jaime Garcia, should give the other problem area, the bullpen, a boost as Garcia's return to the rotation would allow the Cardinals to move Joe Kelly back to the pen (when he's healthy again).
The only move that the Cardinals have yet to try (and that fans have been clamoring for) is to promote Oscar Taveras and start him in center field. However, while he might improve the offense, he would probably make an already poor outfield defense even worse.
Basically, the talent is there for the Cards to go on a run, they just have to play up to their abilities.
John Nagel, Cardinals Farm -Since you are a history buff, what is another Cards team that had plenty of talent but couldn't put it together?
The Cardinals team that stands out to me as having the most talent and not being able to put it together was the 1986 team.
This was basically the same team as the World Series team of 1985. After leading the NL in runs scored in 1985 with 747, the 1986 team struggled to score runs (sound familiar), finishing last in runs scored (601), average (.236) and OBP (.309).
Only a solid pitching staff that finished the season 4th in ERA (3.37) helped the Cardinals avoid total disaster that year. They dug themselves a big hole with a 36-50 record in the first half, but showed that they had the talent to win, going 43-32 in the second half of the season to end up with an overall record of 79-82.
After adding Tony Pena via trade after the 1986 season and promoting Joe Magrane to join the starting rotation, the 1987 Cardinals once again rose to the top and made it back to the World Series, but, to me at least, the 1986 season for the Cards will always be one of the biggest disappointments.
Kevin Reynolds, Stl Cards 'N Stuff - How has blogging about baseball changed your experience of baseball? Bonus Question: What single position (non-position) on the Cards roster do you see being filled with a future core player from the farm system not currently with the big league team? Who/why/etc.?
I think that, living in the Chicago area, I have not been able to follow the Cardinals as closely as I have in the past. Starting a blog on the Cardinals has helped me "reconnect" with the team.
The easiest answer to your second question is that the Cardinals will eventually make room for Oscar Taveras at one of the corner outfield spots by trading one of Matt Holliday, Allen Craig or Matt Adams.
However, to dig a little deeper, I'm not currently sold on either of our center field options nor is Jhonny Peralta a long-term solution at short. I think the center field will eventually be filled by James Ramsey. He is making some noise at AA Springfield this season (.305/.393/.583 with 11 homers in 151 at bats) and is well regarded for his leadership and makeup.
As for shortstop, I think the Cardinals will eventually have to look outside the organization to fill that hole (again).
That's it for this mailbag. If anyone has any questions they would like me to answer for future mailbags, please send them to: watershark67@yahoo.com.
As a result, here is the first CFCL mailbag (sponsored by the UCB):
Bill Ivie, I-70 Baseball - Your site is dedicated to your father, who you say "without whom my love for the Cardinals would have never been born." My father was very important to my love of the game and I'm intrigued. If you don't mind, could you share with us a story about your father and how he helped you come to love the Birds on the Bat instead of the Baby Bears?
Growing up in Normal, Illinois, the Cubs and Cardinals fans were pretty evenly split, however there was never a question as to which team I would root for. My dad spent the formative years of his life in Clayton, Missouri and once got to see Dizzy Dean pitch against Carl Hubbell. His love for the game and the Cardinals rubbed off on me and stays with me to this day.
As the beneficiary of a June birthday, my gift each year was to go down to St. Louis for a weekend Cardinals series with my family. While my sister never was really into baseball and my brother outgrew the sport and turned his interests to music, the love of baseball and the Cardinals is something my dad and I always shared.
Daniel Solzman, Redbird Rants - In your years of following the St. Louis Cardinals, what is your favorite moment?
There have been many great moments in my years of following the Cards, including the 2011 World Series game 6, attending Lou Brock day back when Brock was my favorite player and getting to shake hands with Willie McGee and Ozzie Smith at the Adams Mark hotel bar after a game.
However, my favorite memory has to be watching the 7th game of the 1982 World Series with my dad and brother in our living room. I sat in silence for a few seconds after Bruce Sutter struck out Gorman Thomas to win it, before joining my dad and brother in celebration.
After becoming a diehard Cardinals fan in the mid-1970's, getting to finally see the Cards win a World Series for the first time (in my lifetime) was a special moment for me and to be able to share it with my dad and brother made it that much more special.
Ben Chambers, The View From Here - What is the hardest part of being "behind enemy lines"?
Probably the hardest thing about living in the Chicago area, is the inability to follow the Cardinals as closely as I use to.
When I was growing up in Central Illinois, I listened to the Cards on the radio every night and watched the games regularly, when the Cardinals games were picked up by one of our local TV stations. Nowadays, I can only catch the Cards on national telecasts.
Other than that, the fans are tolerable (I'm married to one), especially now that they are rebuilding and you don't have fair-weather fans coming out of the woodwork. But, if they were to become relevant again, that could certainly change.
Dan Buffa, Dose of Buffa - Can you see any huge differences between this team under John Mabry as hitting coach as opposed to Mark McGwire?
You mean other than the fact that the Cardinals can't seem to score runs this year compared to prior years?
In all seriousness, I don't put a lot of stock in hitting coaches having a significant impact on a team. For the most part, hitters know their swing and can tell when they are out of sync and the coach can help them tweak things on occassion.
Its rare that you are going to change a hitters approach once they reach the major leagues (see Colby Rasmus), so the main thing that I think a hitting coach does is to help hitters who are struggling sort out their mechanics and all that entails is watching some video.
Daniel Shoptaw, C70 At The Bat - What one move would you make to shake up this team and get it out of the .500 doldrums?
I don't know if there is one move that will shake up this team and get it back on track, as the biggest issue has been the lack of offense. The only thing Mike Matheny can do about that is to keep trotting the under-performers, like Allen Craig, out there in hopes that they can get hot.
Other than that, guys getting healthy, like Jason Motte and even Jaime Garcia, should give the other problem area, the bullpen, a boost as Garcia's return to the rotation would allow the Cardinals to move Joe Kelly back to the pen (when he's healthy again).
The only move that the Cardinals have yet to try (and that fans have been clamoring for) is to promote Oscar Taveras and start him in center field. However, while he might improve the offense, he would probably make an already poor outfield defense even worse.
Basically, the talent is there for the Cards to go on a run, they just have to play up to their abilities.
John Nagel, Cardinals Farm -Since you are a history buff, what is another Cards team that had plenty of talent but couldn't put it together?
The Cardinals team that stands out to me as having the most talent and not being able to put it together was the 1986 team.
This was basically the same team as the World Series team of 1985. After leading the NL in runs scored in 1985 with 747, the 1986 team struggled to score runs (sound familiar), finishing last in runs scored (601), average (.236) and OBP (.309).
Only a solid pitching staff that finished the season 4th in ERA (3.37) helped the Cardinals avoid total disaster that year. They dug themselves a big hole with a 36-50 record in the first half, but showed that they had the talent to win, going 43-32 in the second half of the season to end up with an overall record of 79-82.
After adding Tony Pena via trade after the 1986 season and promoting Joe Magrane to join the starting rotation, the 1987 Cardinals once again rose to the top and made it back to the World Series, but, to me at least, the 1986 season for the Cards will always be one of the biggest disappointments.
Kevin Reynolds, Stl Cards 'N Stuff - How has blogging about baseball changed your experience of baseball? Bonus Question: What single position (non-position) on the Cards roster do you see being filled with a future core player from the farm system not currently with the big league team? Who/why/etc.?
I think that, living in the Chicago area, I have not been able to follow the Cardinals as closely as I have in the past. Starting a blog on the Cardinals has helped me "reconnect" with the team.
The easiest answer to your second question is that the Cardinals will eventually make room for Oscar Taveras at one of the corner outfield spots by trading one of Matt Holliday, Allen Craig or Matt Adams.
However, to dig a little deeper, I'm not currently sold on either of our center field options nor is Jhonny Peralta a long-term solution at short. I think the center field will eventually be filled by James Ramsey. He is making some noise at AA Springfield this season (.305/.393/.583 with 11 homers in 151 at bats) and is well regarded for his leadership and makeup.
As for shortstop, I think the Cardinals will eventually have to look outside the organization to fill that hole (again).
That's it for this mailbag. If anyone has any questions they would like me to answer for future mailbags, please send them to: watershark67@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Could Jason Motte replace Trevor Rosenthal as Cardinals closer?
Last night Trevor Rosenthal blew a save in the Cardinals eventual 4-3 victory over the Cubs. While that isn't very concerning, considering that Rosenthal had converted 10 straight saves prior to last night, what is concerning is that Trevor now has a 5.19 ERA while allowing 5.7 BB/9.
Could Rosenthal's struggles open the door for Jason Motte to return to the closer role?
Its possible, but probably not right away.
First, Motte has to make it back to the major leagues. He is still rehabbing at AAA Memphis and has yet to be promoted to the majors. While that could happen soon, there is always the possibility of a setback.
Second, Motte has to prove he's healthy and capable of getting major leaguers out. While he has yet to be scored upon, his velocity is still a bit down from his pre-surgery days. During his rehab his fastball has been sitting in the 91-95 mph range, whereas, prior to his injury, he was throwing around 98 mph. That may be good enough to get minor leaguers out, but is it good enough for the majors?
Finally, despite his struggles, Rosenthal has still only blown one save in 11 tries. That, by itself, is not enough to warrant a change.
However, what could precipitate a change are the walks. Last season, in 75.1 IP, Rosenthal only allowed 2.4 BB/9. This year, he has more than doubled that figure.
In addition, Rosenthal's velocity is down this year, from an average of 96.4 mph with a high of 101.4 in 2013, to an average of 95.9 with a high of just 98.7 this year. Could he be hiding an injury? Its possible, but until he comes forward, we just have to the weather and/or other factors.
Bottom line, with Motte's return eminent, Rosenthal had better get his act together or he could soon find himself in a setup role.
Could Rosenthal's struggles open the door for Jason Motte to return to the closer role?
Its possible, but probably not right away.
First, Motte has to make it back to the major leagues. He is still rehabbing at AAA Memphis and has yet to be promoted to the majors. While that could happen soon, there is always the possibility of a setback.
Second, Motte has to prove he's healthy and capable of getting major leaguers out. While he has yet to be scored upon, his velocity is still a bit down from his pre-surgery days. During his rehab his fastball has been sitting in the 91-95 mph range, whereas, prior to his injury, he was throwing around 98 mph. That may be good enough to get minor leaguers out, but is it good enough for the majors?
Finally, despite his struggles, Rosenthal has still only blown one save in 11 tries. That, by itself, is not enough to warrant a change.
However, what could precipitate a change are the walks. Last season, in 75.1 IP, Rosenthal only allowed 2.4 BB/9. This year, he has more than doubled that figure.
In addition, Rosenthal's velocity is down this year, from an average of 96.4 mph with a high of 101.4 in 2013, to an average of 95.9 with a high of just 98.7 this year. Could he be hiding an injury? Its possible, but until he comes forward, we just have to the weather and/or other factors.
Bottom line, with Motte's return eminent, Rosenthal had better get his act together or he could soon find himself in a setup role.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Jaime Garcia set to return to Cardinals rotation and other notes
Tyler Lyons was placed on the 15-day DL today, one day after getting roughed up by the Cubs. While that is an interesting move (considering that Mike Matheny left him in the game long enough to give up 9 runs in 4 innings), what is more interesting is who might replace him in the rotation...Jaime Garcia.
Garcia pitched 5 innings on Monday for AAA Memphis, giving up just 2 runs on 3 hits, while striking out 5. It was just his second rehab appearance, but speculation has already begun that he will get the call for the Cardinals on Saturday.
If Garcia makes the start on Saturday, it will be one year to the day from his last major league start, which came on May 17, 2013 against the Brewers.
It will be interesting to see if he still has the same stuff as he had before his shoulder issues. Shoulder injuries are the most difficult to come back from as a pitcher, so here's hoping for the best for Garcia.
In other news, GM John Mozeliak indicated that Kolten Wong could be recalled soon. He's reportedly "checked all the boxes" while hitting .344/.382/.484 in 15 games since his demotion.
The Cardinals are certainly looking for any kind of spark to their offense (as long as it does not involve calling up Oscar Taveras before June) and Mark Ellis (.203/.273/237) hasn't exactly been tearing it up as Wong's replacement.
Finally, the Cards continue to shuffle the back end of their bullpen, calling up both lefty Sam Freeman and righty Jorge Rondon, while sending down Eric Fornataro and placing Lyons on the DL. However, their stays may be short as one of them will be replaced by Garcia this weekend, while the other could soon be replaced by the rehabbing Jason Motte.
Motte has yet to give up a run in 5 appearances between AA Springfield and AAA Memphis (4.2 IP, 2 hits, 1 walk, 3 K's) and his return would certainly provide a boost to the Cardinals pen.
Garcia pitched 5 innings on Monday for AAA Memphis, giving up just 2 runs on 3 hits, while striking out 5. It was just his second rehab appearance, but speculation has already begun that he will get the call for the Cardinals on Saturday.
If Garcia makes the start on Saturday, it will be one year to the day from his last major league start, which came on May 17, 2013 against the Brewers.
It will be interesting to see if he still has the same stuff as he had before his shoulder issues. Shoulder injuries are the most difficult to come back from as a pitcher, so here's hoping for the best for Garcia.
In other news, GM John Mozeliak indicated that Kolten Wong could be recalled soon. He's reportedly "checked all the boxes" while hitting .344/.382/.484 in 15 games since his demotion.
The Cardinals are certainly looking for any kind of spark to their offense (as long as it does not involve calling up Oscar Taveras before June) and Mark Ellis (.203/.273/237) hasn't exactly been tearing it up as Wong's replacement.
Finally, the Cards continue to shuffle the back end of their bullpen, calling up both lefty Sam Freeman and righty Jorge Rondon, while sending down Eric Fornataro and placing Lyons on the DL. However, their stays may be short as one of them will be replaced by Garcia this weekend, while the other could soon be replaced by the rehabbing Jason Motte.
Motte has yet to give up a run in 5 appearances between AA Springfield and AAA Memphis (4.2 IP, 2 hits, 1 walk, 3 K's) and his return would certainly provide a boost to the Cardinals pen.
Monday, May 5, 2014
For Cardinals, help is on the way--just not soon enough for us fans
Its obvious that the Cardinals could use some help. They lost two out of three to both the Brewers and Cubs before winning the opener against the Braves, bringing their season record to 17-16, 4.5 games behind the Central leading Brewers.
After leading the NL in runs scored last year, the Cardinals currently sit in 10th place with 119 runs in 33 games (3.6 per game). However, don't expect star prospect Oscar Taveras any time soon.
According to Cardinals GM John Mozeliak, Taveras is "average at best" in center field and it "makes more sense for him to play everyday" at AAA Memphis. In other words, we are not going to promote him until after the Super Two cutoff in June.
Thus, center field incumbents Jon Jay, Peter Bourjos and even Randal Grichuk have until then to prove themselves worthy of retaining their jobs or one of them will be replaced by Taveras.
The other shaky area for the team is the bullpen, which is 1-5 on the year with 3 blown saves. While guys like Pat Neshek, Carlos Martinez, Kevin Siegrist and Randy Choate have done great jobs setting up for closer Trevor Rosenthal, the back-end of the pen has struggled.
Mike Matheny has been wary of relying on guys like last year's ground ball specialist Seth Maness, as well as rookies Keith Butler and Eric Fornataro, and for good reason. They have combined to go 0-2 with a 6.62 ERA.
However, the light at the end of the tunnel is former closer Jason Motte. Motte struck out the side in his first rehab appearance at AA Springfield on Sunday and will likely need 2-3 more weeks of rehab according to Mozeliak.
If he can regain his form, he can help solidify the bullpen and ease the burden on Neshek, Martinez and Siegrist. He would likely replace rookie Fornataro on the roster.
Finally, after everyone held their collective breath when Jaime Garcia was hit on his left elbow during a rehab outing at AA Springfield on Sunday, it appears to be minor as he will likely pitch off the mound tomorrow and only push back his next start by a few days.
The Cardinals still view Garcia as a starter and its safe to assume that when (or if) he returns, he will be placed in the rotation. Assuming he returns to form, this will allow the team to shift Joe Kelly back to the pen and either allow the team to demote Seth Maness to AAA to get his sinker working again or send Martinez down to stretch him out for starting duty.
In any case, adding Taveras, Motte and Garcia to the mix would certainly help the team and improve the overall depth. However, since its unlikely that all of the 3 will be here before June, we are all just hoping that the team can keep within striking distance of the Brewers until then.
After leading the NL in runs scored last year, the Cardinals currently sit in 10th place with 119 runs in 33 games (3.6 per game). However, don't expect star prospect Oscar Taveras any time soon.
According to Cardinals GM John Mozeliak, Taveras is "average at best" in center field and it "makes more sense for him to play everyday" at AAA Memphis. In other words, we are not going to promote him until after the Super Two cutoff in June.
Thus, center field incumbents Jon Jay, Peter Bourjos and even Randal Grichuk have until then to prove themselves worthy of retaining their jobs or one of them will be replaced by Taveras.
The other shaky area for the team is the bullpen, which is 1-5 on the year with 3 blown saves. While guys like Pat Neshek, Carlos Martinez, Kevin Siegrist and Randy Choate have done great jobs setting up for closer Trevor Rosenthal, the back-end of the pen has struggled.
Mike Matheny has been wary of relying on guys like last year's ground ball specialist Seth Maness, as well as rookies Keith Butler and Eric Fornataro, and for good reason. They have combined to go 0-2 with a 6.62 ERA.
However, the light at the end of the tunnel is former closer Jason Motte. Motte struck out the side in his first rehab appearance at AA Springfield on Sunday and will likely need 2-3 more weeks of rehab according to Mozeliak.
If he can regain his form, he can help solidify the bullpen and ease the burden on Neshek, Martinez and Siegrist. He would likely replace rookie Fornataro on the roster.
Finally, after everyone held their collective breath when Jaime Garcia was hit on his left elbow during a rehab outing at AA Springfield on Sunday, it appears to be minor as he will likely pitch off the mound tomorrow and only push back his next start by a few days.
The Cardinals still view Garcia as a starter and its safe to assume that when (or if) he returns, he will be placed in the rotation. Assuming he returns to form, this will allow the team to shift Joe Kelly back to the pen and either allow the team to demote Seth Maness to AAA to get his sinker working again or send Martinez down to stretch him out for starting duty.
In any case, adding Taveras, Motte and Garcia to the mix would certainly help the team and improve the overall depth. However, since its unlikely that all of the 3 will be here before June, we are all just hoping that the team can keep within striking distance of the Brewers until then.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Does Cardinals manager Mike Matheny trust his bullpen?
One week into the season, you get the sense that Cardinals manager Mike Matheny does not trust his entire bullpen.
In the first 7 games, Matheny has leaned heavily on holdovers Trevor Rosenthal (3 games), Carlos Martinez (4 games), Pat Neshek (4 games) and Kevin Siegrist (5 games).
However, rubber-armed LOOGY Randy Choate has appeared in just 2 games, while last year's ground ball specialist Seth Maness and this year's "last spot in the bullpen" winner Keith Butler have appeared in just one game apiece.
I can understand the reluctance to use Butler, who was rocked for 5 runs in his lone inning of work, however, the lack of use for Maness and even Choate is unexplicable.
Using Maness and Choate more would help ease the burden on both Neshek and Siegrist, who, at this pace, would appear in a whopping 93 and 116 games for the season.
Martinez is another problem though.
My initial thought was that, once Jason Motte gets healthy, he would replace Martinez in the bullpen, so that Martinez might be stretched out again as a starter. However, now I'm not so sure.
Maybe the plan is that Motte replaces Butler in the pen and then Motte and Martinez split the setup duties.
Its not the best case scenario for Martinez' development, but it probably would be best for the team this season.
The bullpen is still a work-in-progress at this point and things may become clearer as the season wears on.
However, one thing is for sure, Matheny needs to find some other guys he can rely on this season or were going to have a lot of tired arms come September.
In the first 7 games, Matheny has leaned heavily on holdovers Trevor Rosenthal (3 games), Carlos Martinez (4 games), Pat Neshek (4 games) and Kevin Siegrist (5 games).
However, rubber-armed LOOGY Randy Choate has appeared in just 2 games, while last year's ground ball specialist Seth Maness and this year's "last spot in the bullpen" winner Keith Butler have appeared in just one game apiece.
I can understand the reluctance to use Butler, who was rocked for 5 runs in his lone inning of work, however, the lack of use for Maness and even Choate is unexplicable.
Using Maness and Choate more would help ease the burden on both Neshek and Siegrist, who, at this pace, would appear in a whopping 93 and 116 games for the season.
Martinez is another problem though.
My initial thought was that, once Jason Motte gets healthy, he would replace Martinez in the bullpen, so that Martinez might be stretched out again as a starter. However, now I'm not so sure.
Maybe the plan is that Motte replaces Butler in the pen and then Motte and Martinez split the setup duties.
Its not the best case scenario for Martinez' development, but it probably would be best for the team this season.
The bullpen is still a work-in-progress at this point and things may become clearer as the season wears on.
However, one thing is for sure, Matheny needs to find some other guys he can rely on this season or were going to have a lot of tired arms come September.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Spring Training Battle #1: 5th Starter
With Spring Training games already underway, its time to take a look at some of the Cardinals Spring Training Battles.
First off is the one that everyone will be paying attention to the 5th Starter job.
With Jaime Garcia out indefinitely, Carlos Martinez, Joe Kelly and Tyler Lyons will battle for the 5th spot in the rotation. Here's a breakdown of each of the candidates.
Joe Kelly
Kelly would have to be considered the favorite for the 5th spot, at least at this point.
Over the last two seasons, Kelly has compiled a 13-9 record and 3.03 ERA in 31 starts for the Cardinals, including 9-2 with a 1.91 ERA during the second half of 2013.
However, for some reason, the Cards do not appear to favor Kelly as a starter, forcing him to compete for the 5th spot despite those gaudy stats.
The same thing happened with Kelly in the spring of 2013. Kelly had to compete with Shelby Miller for the 5th spot, before eventually losing and being relegated to a long relief role.
Perhaps with his more recent success, the Cardinals will give him the 5th spot this year
Carlos Martinez
Martinez has probably the best stuff of the 3 competitors and it was somewhat telling the the Cardinals allowed him to pitch 3 innings in his first spring start.
The biggest question though is whether the Cardinals think they are better off with him in the rotation or the bullpen. Martinez was impressive in the 2013 postseason, manning the 8th inning role and setting up for closer Trevor Rosenthal.
With Jason Motte still recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Cardinals may want to return Martinez to that same 8th inning role, at least until Motte is ready.
In addition, Martinez could probably use some more time in AAA to work on his changeup before he is considered ready for the rotation. However, if he has an impressive spring he could force his way into the 5th spot.
Tyler Lyons
Lyons is a bit of a long shot to earn the 5th starter spot. He doesn't have the stuff of Martinez nor the experience of Kelly. However, what he does have is the fact that he's lefthanded.
If the Cardinals feel they are better off with a lefty in the rotation, Lyons would likely get the nod.
Besides, its not like he's chopped liver as a pitcher. He had an impressive 3.32 ERA in the hitter-friendly PCL in 2013 and won his first two big league starts, allowing just 2 runs in 14 innings, before the league adjusted (and he didn't).
However, he would have to have an outstanding spring to overtake both Kelly and Martinez.
Prediction
Overall I think Kelly will get the nod as the 5th starter. His experience and performance last year says he deserves the shot.
Martinez will likely be put in the bullpen to start the 2014 season, at least until Motte is ready. Then he will probaly be sent down to work on his secondary pitches.
Lyons will probably head to AAA to keep himself stretched out. He would likely be the first guy called up when the Cardinals need another starter.
First off is the one that everyone will be paying attention to the 5th Starter job.
With Jaime Garcia out indefinitely, Carlos Martinez, Joe Kelly and Tyler Lyons will battle for the 5th spot in the rotation. Here's a breakdown of each of the candidates.
Joe Kelly
Kelly would have to be considered the favorite for the 5th spot, at least at this point.
Over the last two seasons, Kelly has compiled a 13-9 record and 3.03 ERA in 31 starts for the Cardinals, including 9-2 with a 1.91 ERA during the second half of 2013.
However, for some reason, the Cards do not appear to favor Kelly as a starter, forcing him to compete for the 5th spot despite those gaudy stats.
The same thing happened with Kelly in the spring of 2013. Kelly had to compete with Shelby Miller for the 5th spot, before eventually losing and being relegated to a long relief role.
Perhaps with his more recent success, the Cardinals will give him the 5th spot this year
Carlos Martinez
Martinez has probably the best stuff of the 3 competitors and it was somewhat telling the the Cardinals allowed him to pitch 3 innings in his first spring start.
The biggest question though is whether the Cardinals think they are better off with him in the rotation or the bullpen. Martinez was impressive in the 2013 postseason, manning the 8th inning role and setting up for closer Trevor Rosenthal.
With Jason Motte still recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Cardinals may want to return Martinez to that same 8th inning role, at least until Motte is ready.
In addition, Martinez could probably use some more time in AAA to work on his changeup before he is considered ready for the rotation. However, if he has an impressive spring he could force his way into the 5th spot.
Tyler Lyons
Lyons is a bit of a long shot to earn the 5th starter spot. He doesn't have the stuff of Martinez nor the experience of Kelly. However, what he does have is the fact that he's lefthanded.
If the Cardinals feel they are better off with a lefty in the rotation, Lyons would likely get the nod.
Besides, its not like he's chopped liver as a pitcher. He had an impressive 3.32 ERA in the hitter-friendly PCL in 2013 and won his first two big league starts, allowing just 2 runs in 14 innings, before the league adjusted (and he didn't).
However, he would have to have an outstanding spring to overtake both Kelly and Martinez.
Prediction
Overall I think Kelly will get the nod as the 5th starter. His experience and performance last year says he deserves the shot.
Martinez will likely be put in the bullpen to start the 2014 season, at least until Motte is ready. Then he will probaly be sent down to work on his secondary pitches.
Lyons will probably head to AAA to keep himself stretched out. He would likely be the first guy called up when the Cardinals need another starter.
Monday, December 30, 2013
The Cardinals top 5 stories of 2013
Every December you will see various publications posting their Top 10 lists relating to the concluding year, whether it be top news stories, top sports moments, best defensive plays, etc...
This year CFCL, as part of the United Cardinals Bloggers December project, is joining the fray with the top 5 Cardinals stories for the 2013 season.
My criteria for the top stories are those that I feel impacted the Cardinals the most in their run to the World Series.
So, without further ado, here are my picks for the top 5 Cardinals stories of the year, in countdown order:
5. Edward Mujica steps up
After losing Jason Motte to Tommy John surgery and fill-in closer Mitchell Boggs to ineptitude, the Cardinals were desperate for someone to step up and fill the closer role.
Enter Edward Mujica. After taking over the closer role in mid-April, Mujica saved 35 out of 37 games before tiring down the stretch and losing the closer role to Trevor Rosenthal.
However, make no mistake about it, the Cardinals would not have reached the playoffs without Mujica's quiet efficiency as closer from April to August.
4. Cardinals redefine the term "clutch"
When it comes to hitting with runners in scoring position (RISP), no one did it better than the Cardinals in 2013. As a team, they hit .330 with RISP, nearly 50 points higher than the second place team, the Tigers, who hit .282 with RISP.
Leading the way for the Cardinals was Allen Craig who hit an insane .454 with RISP. In 130 at bats with RISP, Craig had 84 rbi's, despite just 4 homers.
In addition to Craig, Matt Holliday was 4th with RISP with a .390 average, Matt Carpenter was 5th with .388 average and Carlos Beltran 8th with a .374 average.
3. Cardinals rookie pitchers come up big
Due to an seemingly endless string of injuries and ineffectiveness, the Cardinals relied on their rookie pitchers early and often during the 2013 season.
It started with Shelby Miller, who won the 5th starter spot in spring training and finished the season with a 15-9 record, a 3.06 ERA and a third place finish in the ROY voting.
Second on the list was Trevor Rosenthal who absolutely dominated in the setup role, posting a 2.63 ERA and 108 K's in 75.1 innings. He took over the closer role late in the season and locked up the 2014 closer role with 11.2 scoreless innings in the 2013 postseason.
Other key rookie arms were Seth Maness (2.32 ERA and an incredible 4.40 GO/FO ratio), Kevin Siegrist (0.45 ERA in 39.2 innings), Michael Wacha (4-1, 2.78 ERA) and Carlos Martinez (5.08 ERA in the regular season, but a 3.55 ERA as the primary setup man in the playoffs).
2. Adam Wainwright returns to form
After shaking off the rust from Tommy John surgery during an up-and-down 2012 season, Adam Wainwright showed he was back as the Cardinals ace in 2013.
Wainwright was among the top 5 in ERA for most of the season, holding a 2.58 ERA through August 23, before back-to-back poor outings against the Reds ballooned his ERA up to 3.14. He settled down after that to lower his ERA to 2.94, good for 7th in the league while tying for the league lead with 19 wins.
Add to that his leadership and dancing ability, and its easy to see why Waino is a fan favorite.
1. Michael Wacha dominates the postseason
In all my years of watching and following the Cardinals, I am hard-pressed to think of any pitcher, let alone a rookie, who had a better stretch of starts than Michael Wacha did in his first 4 postseason starts.
It started with game 4 of the NLDS against the Pirates. Facing elimination, Wacha no-hit the Buccos through 7.1 innings before allowing a homer against Cardinal killer Pedro Alvarez.
He followed that up by throwing 13.2 scoreless innings against the Dodgers in the NLCS, including 7 innings of 2 hit ball in the decisive 6th game, earning the NLCS MVP award.
He then went on to win game 2 of the World Series, allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits.
All told, Wacha went 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA in his first 4 postseason games.
That he ended up losing the decisive game 6 of the World Series does not diminish his heroics as the Cardinals certainly would not have even made the World Series without him.
I'm sure there are other key moments that I probably have forgotten about, but those are the ones that stood out to me. What's yours?
This year CFCL, as part of the United Cardinals Bloggers December project, is joining the fray with the top 5 Cardinals stories for the 2013 season.
My criteria for the top stories are those that I feel impacted the Cardinals the most in their run to the World Series.
So, without further ado, here are my picks for the top 5 Cardinals stories of the year, in countdown order:
5. Edward Mujica steps up
After losing Jason Motte to Tommy John surgery and fill-in closer Mitchell Boggs to ineptitude, the Cardinals were desperate for someone to step up and fill the closer role.
Enter Edward Mujica. After taking over the closer role in mid-April, Mujica saved 35 out of 37 games before tiring down the stretch and losing the closer role to Trevor Rosenthal.
However, make no mistake about it, the Cardinals would not have reached the playoffs without Mujica's quiet efficiency as closer from April to August.
4. Cardinals redefine the term "clutch"
When it comes to hitting with runners in scoring position (RISP), no one did it better than the Cardinals in 2013. As a team, they hit .330 with RISP, nearly 50 points higher than the second place team, the Tigers, who hit .282 with RISP.
Leading the way for the Cardinals was Allen Craig who hit an insane .454 with RISP. In 130 at bats with RISP, Craig had 84 rbi's, despite just 4 homers.
In addition to Craig, Matt Holliday was 4th with RISP with a .390 average, Matt Carpenter was 5th with .388 average and Carlos Beltran 8th with a .374 average.
3. Cardinals rookie pitchers come up big
Due to an seemingly endless string of injuries and ineffectiveness, the Cardinals relied on their rookie pitchers early and often during the 2013 season.
It started with Shelby Miller, who won the 5th starter spot in spring training and finished the season with a 15-9 record, a 3.06 ERA and a third place finish in the ROY voting.
Second on the list was Trevor Rosenthal who absolutely dominated in the setup role, posting a 2.63 ERA and 108 K's in 75.1 innings. He took over the closer role late in the season and locked up the 2014 closer role with 11.2 scoreless innings in the 2013 postseason.
Other key rookie arms were Seth Maness (2.32 ERA and an incredible 4.40 GO/FO ratio), Kevin Siegrist (0.45 ERA in 39.2 innings), Michael Wacha (4-1, 2.78 ERA) and Carlos Martinez (5.08 ERA in the regular season, but a 3.55 ERA as the primary setup man in the playoffs).
2. Adam Wainwright returns to form
After shaking off the rust from Tommy John surgery during an up-and-down 2012 season, Adam Wainwright showed he was back as the Cardinals ace in 2013.
Wainwright was among the top 5 in ERA for most of the season, holding a 2.58 ERA through August 23, before back-to-back poor outings against the Reds ballooned his ERA up to 3.14. He settled down after that to lower his ERA to 2.94, good for 7th in the league while tying for the league lead with 19 wins.
Add to that his leadership and dancing ability, and its easy to see why Waino is a fan favorite.
1. Michael Wacha dominates the postseason
In all my years of watching and following the Cardinals, I am hard-pressed to think of any pitcher, let alone a rookie, who had a better stretch of starts than Michael Wacha did in his first 4 postseason starts.
It started with game 4 of the NLDS against the Pirates. Facing elimination, Wacha no-hit the Buccos through 7.1 innings before allowing a homer against Cardinal killer Pedro Alvarez.
He followed that up by throwing 13.2 scoreless innings against the Dodgers in the NLCS, including 7 innings of 2 hit ball in the decisive 6th game, earning the NLCS MVP award.
He then went on to win game 2 of the World Series, allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits.
All told, Wacha went 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA in his first 4 postseason games.
That he ended up losing the decisive game 6 of the World Series does not diminish his heroics as the Cardinals certainly would not have even made the World Series without him.
I'm sure there are other key moments that I probably have forgotten about, but those are the ones that stood out to me. What's yours?
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.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Injuries have Cardinals shifting focus from bullpen to rotation
After spending over a month trying to sort out their bullpen, the Cardinals now face new problems with a starting rotation that has been beset by injuries.
The bullpen issues stemmed from an season-ending injury to closer Jason Motte, which caused bullpen roles to shift--a shift that some, like Mitchell Boggs, were not ready for. The Cardinals solved their problems by shifting Edward Mujica to closer and calling up Carlos Martinez and Seth Maness to shore up the back end of the pen.
Now, a rash of injuries to the Cardinals rotation has the Cardinals scrambling again.
First, Jake Westbrook went on the DL with an elbow injury. Then Jaime Garcia was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. As if that wasn't enough, Westbrook's replacement, John Gast, was removed from his last start with shoulder tightness.
Thus, the Cardinals are making changes on the fly again.
First, Michael Wacha, the Cardinals best pitching prospect still in the minors, was pulled from his start Monday and is probably option #1 to replace Gast in the rotation. Nothing has been announced yet and, as Bernie Miklasz points out, there are still reasons why the Cardinals wouldn't call on Wacha, but it appears that he is likely replacement for Gast.
In addition, the Cardinals have sent Carlos Martinez down to AAA to stretch him out as a starter again. With all the injuries to starting pitching, the Cardinals now need Martinez as a starter more than they do as a (little used) reliever. While it probably won't take him long to ramp up, Martinez still has work to do on his secondary pitches before he can be considered for a starting role.
Finally, Victor Marte was recalled to fill Martinez' role in the pen. Marte had a 4.91 ERA in 40.1 IP last year for the Cardinals, but considering that Martinez only pitched 9.1 innings in the 21 days he was up with the club, its unlikely that Marte will be used in high leverage situations.
So the Cards are shuffling the deck again and the fans are hoping that the magic continues.
The bullpen issues stemmed from an season-ending injury to closer Jason Motte, which caused bullpen roles to shift--a shift that some, like Mitchell Boggs, were not ready for. The Cardinals solved their problems by shifting Edward Mujica to closer and calling up Carlos Martinez and Seth Maness to shore up the back end of the pen.
Now, a rash of injuries to the Cardinals rotation has the Cardinals scrambling again.
First, Jake Westbrook went on the DL with an elbow injury. Then Jaime Garcia was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. As if that wasn't enough, Westbrook's replacement, John Gast, was removed from his last start with shoulder tightness.
Thus, the Cardinals are making changes on the fly again.
First, Michael Wacha, the Cardinals best pitching prospect still in the minors, was pulled from his start Monday and is probably option #1 to replace Gast in the rotation. Nothing has been announced yet and, as Bernie Miklasz points out, there are still reasons why the Cardinals wouldn't call on Wacha, but it appears that he is likely replacement for Gast.
In addition, the Cardinals have sent Carlos Martinez down to AAA to stretch him out as a starter again. With all the injuries to starting pitching, the Cardinals now need Martinez as a starter more than they do as a (little used) reliever. While it probably won't take him long to ramp up, Martinez still has work to do on his secondary pitches before he can be considered for a starting role.
Finally, Victor Marte was recalled to fill Martinez' role in the pen. Marte had a 4.91 ERA in 40.1 IP last year for the Cardinals, but considering that Martinez only pitched 9.1 innings in the 21 days he was up with the club, its unlikely that Marte will be used in high leverage situations.
So the Cards are shuffling the deck again and the fans are hoping that the magic continues.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Could Trevor Rosenthal or Carlos Martinez be the Cardinals long-term solution at closer?
Jason Motte's injury this spring left the Cardinals scrambling to find a replacement at closer. Edward Mujica has filled in admirably so far, but he is set to become a free agent after this season and, with Motte likely starting next year on the DL, the Cards will likely face the same closer issues next year.
The question then is who will become the Cardinals next great closer? The guy that Mike Matheny can hand the ball to in the 9th inning for the next several years and not have to worry (or at least not too much).
Based on the evidence so far, it seems likely that either Trevor Rosenthal or Carlos Martinez will take over the closer role, either by the end of this year or via a spring training battle next year.
Rosenthal would seem to be the logical choice to take over as closer. Despite spending most of his minor league career as a starter, the Cardinals used him as a reliever down the stretch last season. In addition, after stating that he would compete for the 5th starter role in the spring, the Cards barely gave him a chance before moving him back to the pen.
Thus, it appears that the Cardinals have already made up their minds that Rosenthal is best used as a reliever. His high 90's fastball, hard curveball and solid change give him three weapons to use late in games and, after struggling early in the season, he appears to have hit his stride.
As for Carlos Martinez, he too spent all of his time in the minors as a starter. However, when the Cards needed to shore up their bullpen recently, they bypassed AAA options such as Victor Marte and Eric Fornataro and chose Martinez from AA. After missing the start of the season due to visa issues, Martinez had only pitched 11.2 IP prior to his callup. If the Cardinals were content with developing him as a starter, they would have left him at AA.
What's even more telling for both Martinez and Rosenthal is that the Cards are going to need another starter next year. Jake Westbrook is set to become a free agent after this year and its unlikely that the team will offer him an extension.
However, with Michael Wacha pitching well at AAA and the emergence of John Gast as a legitimate top 10 prospect for the Cards, the team must feel confident that one of those two can take over for Westbrook next year, giving them the luxury of developing Rosenthal and Martinez as relievers.
Normally I do not like when a team takes a pitcher who could develop into a frontline starter and convert him into a reliever, but with the Cardinals pitching depth, the team appears to be trying to find spots for all their young guns.
The question then is who will become the Cardinals next great closer? The guy that Mike Matheny can hand the ball to in the 9th inning for the next several years and not have to worry (or at least not too much).
Based on the evidence so far, it seems likely that either Trevor Rosenthal or Carlos Martinez will take over the closer role, either by the end of this year or via a spring training battle next year.
Rosenthal would seem to be the logical choice to take over as closer. Despite spending most of his minor league career as a starter, the Cardinals used him as a reliever down the stretch last season. In addition, after stating that he would compete for the 5th starter role in the spring, the Cards barely gave him a chance before moving him back to the pen.
Thus, it appears that the Cardinals have already made up their minds that Rosenthal is best used as a reliever. His high 90's fastball, hard curveball and solid change give him three weapons to use late in games and, after struggling early in the season, he appears to have hit his stride.
As for Carlos Martinez, he too spent all of his time in the minors as a starter. However, when the Cards needed to shore up their bullpen recently, they bypassed AAA options such as Victor Marte and Eric Fornataro and chose Martinez from AA. After missing the start of the season due to visa issues, Martinez had only pitched 11.2 IP prior to his callup. If the Cardinals were content with developing him as a starter, they would have left him at AA.
What's even more telling for both Martinez and Rosenthal is that the Cards are going to need another starter next year. Jake Westbrook is set to become a free agent after this year and its unlikely that the team will offer him an extension.
However, with Michael Wacha pitching well at AAA and the emergence of John Gast as a legitimate top 10 prospect for the Cards, the team must feel confident that one of those two can take over for Westbrook next year, giving them the luxury of developing Rosenthal and Martinez as relievers.
Normally I do not like when a team takes a pitcher who could develop into a frontline starter and convert him into a reliever, but with the Cardinals pitching depth, the team appears to be trying to find spots for all their young guns.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Cardinals continue bullpen overhaul: Mitchell Boggs optioned, Carlos Martinez called up
After yesterday's outing in which he gave up two walks without retiring a batter, the Cardinals had seen enough of Mitchell Boggs and demoted him to AAA to sort out his issues.
To take his place, the Cardinals called up another one of their flame throwing prospects, Carlos Martinez, from AA Springfield. Martinez, who had the start of his season delayed by visa issues, has only pitched 11.2 innings this season, posting a 2.31 ERA.
Martinez, who can reach 100 mph with his fastball, will be following Trevor Rosenthal's career path. After working as a starter throughout his minor league career, he will get his first taste of the big leagues as a reliever.
It appears that the plan is for Martinez to be the 7th inning guy for the Cards, bridging the gap between the starters and the Trevor Rosenthal/Edward Mujica finishing combo. If he succeeds in that role, it will hopefully allow Mike Matheny to reduce the workload on Rosenthal, who is on pace to pitch in 92 games.
Martinez certainly has the stuff to succeed in the pen. In their 2012 Prospect Handbook, Baseball America stated that Martinez has the "ingredients to become a frontline starter or a closer."
The concern here is that, like Rosenthal, Martinez could get pigeonholed into a relief role. While not necessarily a bad thing, pitchers were their kind of stuff are generally more valuable if properly devloped as starters.
That said, this should be only a temporary role for Martinez, who could return to the minors to continue his development, once Boggs gets things sorted out.
In related bullpen news, it was announced today that Jason Motte will undergo Tommy John surgery next week. Motte had been progressing with his throwing program before experiencing discomfort after throwing Friday. I, for one, wish him a speedy recovery.
To take his place, the Cardinals called up another one of their flame throwing prospects, Carlos Martinez, from AA Springfield. Martinez, who had the start of his season delayed by visa issues, has only pitched 11.2 innings this season, posting a 2.31 ERA.
Martinez, who can reach 100 mph with his fastball, will be following Trevor Rosenthal's career path. After working as a starter throughout his minor league career, he will get his first taste of the big leagues as a reliever.
It appears that the plan is for Martinez to be the 7th inning guy for the Cards, bridging the gap between the starters and the Trevor Rosenthal/Edward Mujica finishing combo. If he succeeds in that role, it will hopefully allow Mike Matheny to reduce the workload on Rosenthal, who is on pace to pitch in 92 games.
Martinez certainly has the stuff to succeed in the pen. In their 2012 Prospect Handbook, Baseball America stated that Martinez has the "ingredients to become a frontline starter or a closer."
The concern here is that, like Rosenthal, Martinez could get pigeonholed into a relief role. While not necessarily a bad thing, pitchers were their kind of stuff are generally more valuable if properly devloped as starters.
That said, this should be only a temporary role for Martinez, who could return to the minors to continue his development, once Boggs gets things sorted out.
In related bullpen news, it was announced today that Jason Motte will undergo Tommy John surgery next week. Motte had been progressing with his throwing program before experiencing discomfort after throwing Friday. I, for one, wish him a speedy recovery.
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!!!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Does Jason Motte injury make Shelby Miller the 5th starter for the Cardinals?
Although they are both scheduled to pitch again on Monday, a couple of recent news items have people speculating that Shelby Miller will beat out Joe Kelly for the 5th starter job.
The first is that Miller will be making the start on Monday with Kelly working in relief. This is the second time in a row that Miller has gotten the start and an indication that the Cards want him to get into a pre-start routine.
The second, and most important news, is that Jason Motte will likely start the season on the DL. While it may not seem to have an impact on the 5th starter role, it does. For one thing, it means that Kelly, Miller and Fernando Salas will all most likely make the opening day roster and since Kelly is better suited for relieving, it follows that he would be the long reliever in the pen.
Motte's injury pushes Mitchell Boggs into the closer role, with Trevor Rosenthal as the likely setup man.
Here is the projected starting rotation and bullpen:
Starting Rotation
In any case, the roster is nearly set. We'll see what kind of impact the game Monday has on Miller and Kelly's statuses.
The first is that Miller will be making the start on Monday with Kelly working in relief. This is the second time in a row that Miller has gotten the start and an indication that the Cards want him to get into a pre-start routine.
The second, and most important news, is that Jason Motte will likely start the season on the DL. While it may not seem to have an impact on the 5th starter role, it does. For one thing, it means that Kelly, Miller and Fernando Salas will all most likely make the opening day roster and since Kelly is better suited for relieving, it follows that he would be the long reliever in the pen.
Motte's injury pushes Mitchell Boggs into the closer role, with Trevor Rosenthal as the likely setup man.
Here is the projected starting rotation and bullpen:
Starting Rotation
- Adam Wainwright
- Jake Westbrook
- Jaime Garcia
- Lance Lynn
- Shelby Miller
- Mitchell Boggs - Closer
- Trevor Rosenthal - Setup
- Edward Mujica - Middle
- Fernando Salas - Middle
- Joe Kelly - Long
- Randy Choate - LOOGY
- Marc Rzepczynski - LOOGY
In any case, the roster is nearly set. We'll see what kind of impact the game Monday has on Miller and Kelly's statuses.
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