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.
Showing posts with label Randy Choate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Randy Choate. Show all posts
Monday, May 19, 2014
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.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Cardinals Spring Training Battle #2: The Bullpen
The good thing about having a solid team, like the Cardinals, is that there is not a lot of unsettled positions heading into the season. A little over a week ago, I took a look at the Cards 5th starter competition.
Tonight, I will look at the bullpen.
Sure Things
Given the way that they pitched last year, there are four pitchers who are virtual locks to open the season in the major league bullpen: Trevor Rosenthal, Seth Maness, Kevin Siegrist and veteran LOOGY Randy Choate.
Rosenthal is the Cardinals closer and should be for the whole season. Siegrist was nearly unhittable last season, posting a 0.45 ERA in 39.2 innings. Choate does was he always does, gets lefties out, holding them to a .176 average (.492 OPS) in 2013. Maness' performance this spring may give Mike Matheny some pause (9.39 ERA in 7.2 IP), but his 2.32 ERA and incredible 4.40 GO/AO ratio in 2013 is what probably matters more to Matheny.
The Almost Sure Thing
One of Joe Kelly or Carlos Martinez, whoever loses out in the 5th starter battle, will likely end up in the Cardinals pen to start the 2014 season.
Martinez performed well as the Cards eighth inning guy in the playoffs last year and could fill the same role this year. While Kelly was valuable to the team as a swingman last season.
The Battle
We can assume that the Cardinals will go with at least 7 relievers to start the season (maybe 8), so that leaves two spots open.
The leading candidates are Pat Neshek, Sam Freeman, Tyler Lyons, Jorge Rondon and Keith Butler.
Non-roster invitee, Neshek, has the advantage of experience, with a career 2.56 ERA in 9 seasons. He has also pitched well this spring allowing only 2 runs in 6 innings. He is likely going to earn one spot.
Freeman has a career 2.75 ERA in the minors and pitched well in his September callup last year (2.19 ERA in 12.1 IP). His main problem is his control (career 3.9 BB/9 in the minors).
Lyons has not pitched well this spring, allowing 8 runs in 6.2 IP. However, he did fare well in a relief role towards the end of last season (1 ER in 9.1 IP).
Rondon has yet to allow a run this spring in 6.1 IP. However, his minor league track record is less than stellar (4.86 ERA in 8 seasons).
Butler has the minor league stats (2.29 ERA and 265 K's in 212 IP), but has struggled with his control at the major league level, giving up 11 walks in 20 innings last year and 5 walks in 7.1 innings this spring.
Prediction
As of right now, I would have to go with Neshek and Freeman for the last two bullpen spots. Lyons will likely start the 2014 season in Memphis' rotation, while Rondon and Butler will likely ride the Memphis/St.Louis shuttle this season, whenever the Cards need a fresh arm.
Tonight, I will look at the bullpen.
Sure Things
Given the way that they pitched last year, there are four pitchers who are virtual locks to open the season in the major league bullpen: Trevor Rosenthal, Seth Maness, Kevin Siegrist and veteran LOOGY Randy Choate.
Rosenthal is the Cardinals closer and should be for the whole season. Siegrist was nearly unhittable last season, posting a 0.45 ERA in 39.2 innings. Choate does was he always does, gets lefties out, holding them to a .176 average (.492 OPS) in 2013. Maness' performance this spring may give Mike Matheny some pause (9.39 ERA in 7.2 IP), but his 2.32 ERA and incredible 4.40 GO/AO ratio in 2013 is what probably matters more to Matheny.
The Almost Sure Thing
One of Joe Kelly or Carlos Martinez, whoever loses out in the 5th starter battle, will likely end up in the Cardinals pen to start the 2014 season.
Martinez performed well as the Cards eighth inning guy in the playoffs last year and could fill the same role this year. While Kelly was valuable to the team as a swingman last season.
The Battle
We can assume that the Cardinals will go with at least 7 relievers to start the season (maybe 8), so that leaves two spots open.
The leading candidates are Pat Neshek, Sam Freeman, Tyler Lyons, Jorge Rondon and Keith Butler.
Non-roster invitee, Neshek, has the advantage of experience, with a career 2.56 ERA in 9 seasons. He has also pitched well this spring allowing only 2 runs in 6 innings. He is likely going to earn one spot.
Freeman has a career 2.75 ERA in the minors and pitched well in his September callup last year (2.19 ERA in 12.1 IP). His main problem is his control (career 3.9 BB/9 in the minors).
Lyons has not pitched well this spring, allowing 8 runs in 6.2 IP. However, he did fare well in a relief role towards the end of last season (1 ER in 9.1 IP).
Rondon has yet to allow a run this spring in 6.1 IP. However, his minor league track record is less than stellar (4.86 ERA in 8 seasons).
Butler has the minor league stats (2.29 ERA and 265 K's in 212 IP), but has struggled with his control at the major league level, giving up 11 walks in 20 innings last year and 5 walks in 7.1 innings this spring.
Prediction
As of right now, I would have to go with Neshek and Freeman for the last two bullpen spots. Lyons will likely start the 2014 season in Memphis' rotation, while Rondon and Butler will likely ride the Memphis/St.Louis shuttle this season, whenever the Cards need a fresh arm.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Annual United Cardinals Bloggers Awards
Since its the end of November, its time for the annual United Cardinals Bloggers awards. This is my first year running a Cardinals blog and thus my first year voting. Below you can find the official ballot and my selections for each. To check out the other bloggers' ballots, go to unitedcardinalsbloggers.com.
Team Awards
1) Cardinal Position Player of the Year
–Matt Carpenter
–Allen Craig
–Yadier Molina
–Write-in: ___________
To me, this was a no-brainer. Not only did Yadi have another fine offensive year, but he was another pitching coach on the field and the Cardinals went through a seemingly endless supply of rookie pitchers. Without him, I do not think we would have made the playoffs.
2) Cardinal Pitcher of the Year
–Edward Mujica
–Trevor Rosenthal
–Adam Wainwright
–Write-in: ___________
Another no-brainer. Adam Wainwright was the best starter and returned to his proper place as ace of the Cardinals staff.
3) Game of the Year
–May 10 vs. Colorado (Miller’s almost-perfecto)
–May 11 vs. Colorado (Wainwright’s no-hitter into 8th)
–August 26 vs. Cincinnati (comeback capped by Craig slam)
–September 4 at Cincinnati (Adams 2 extra-inning HR)
–September 24 vs. Nationals (Wacha near no-no)
–Game 4, NLDS
–Write-in: ____________
I went with Game 4 of the NLDS. Facing elimination, Michael Wacha pitched a 1 hitter through 7.1 innings, giving up only a solo homer to Cardinals killer Pedro Alvarez in the 8th, before fellow rookies Carlos Martinez and Trevor Rosenthal shut the door.
4) Surprise Player of the Year
–Matt Carpenter
–Joe Kelly
–Edward Mujica
–Kevin Siegrist
–Write-in: ______________
Mujica stepped up big time this year, becoming the Cardinals closer after Jason Motte was lost to injury and Mitchell Boggs fell apart. It was a huge leap for a career middle reliever and he took to his new role well.
5) Disappointing Player of the Year
–David Freese
–Pete Kozma
–Fernando Salas
–Write-in: _______________
Freese's lack of production in 2013 was surprising after a very good year in 2012 and may open the door for Kolten Wong (and an offseason trade for Freese).
6) Rookie of the Year
–Matt Adams
–Carlos Martinez
–Shelby Miller
–Michael Wacha
–Write-in: ______________
While Wacha was outstanding in the postseason, there would have been no postseason if not for the excellent work turned in by Miller. His 15 wins and 3.09 ERA were second to Adam Wainwright among the Cardinals regular starters.
7) Acquisition of the Year
–John Axford
–Randy Choate
–Write-in: ______________
I'm sure most of you would pick Ty Wigginton for acqusition of the year (just kidding), but considering how few moves the Cardinals made, Choate was just what the Cards needed. The epitome of a LOOGY, Choate only pitched 35.1, but had a 2.29 ERA and held lefties to a .176 average.
8) Most Anticipated Cardinal
–Stephen Piscotty
–Lee Stoppleman
–Oscar Taveras
–Write-in: ______________
Injuries derailed Taveras' season, but they did not diminish his top prospect status.
Blog Awards
9) Best Individual Cardinal Blog*
–Write-in: _Retro Simba
Like most baseball fans, I get caught up in the history of the game and Retro Simba provides a unique perspective on the history of the Cardinals.
10) Best Team Cardinal Blog*
–Write-in: Viva el Birdos
There is no surprise that VeB has been around for so long.
*–Individual means the blog was written mainly by one person, while a team blog is composed usually by two or more. For classification’s sake, each blog under The Cardinal Conclave label are considered separate entities and should be considered in either team (Pitchers Hit Eighth) or individual (everyone else).
11) Best Media Coverage
–Derrick Goold
–Jenifer Langosch
–Stan McNeal
–Bernie Miklasz
–Joe Strauss
–Write-in: ____________
Langosch has proven time and again that she belongs with the big boys.
12) Best Rookie Cardinal Blog
–CardinalsFarm
–Dose of Buffa
–stlcupofjoe’s Sports Page
–The View From Here
–Write-in: ____________
Good writing and analysis.
13) Post of the Year
Bad Body Language Has No Place In Baseball (Cardinals Fan in Cubs Land)
Closing The Book On The John Axford Trade (On The Outside Corner)
Doors Close On The Cardinals In 2013 (Dose of Buffa)
How A B-17 Nearly Clipped Cardinals In World Series (RetroSimba)
Matt Holliday: One Of The Most Cost Effective Players In Baseball (stlcupofjoe’s Sports Page)
Memories Help Come To Terms With The Season’s End (Aaron Miles’ Fastball)
RIP Stan The Man (Women Who Love Cardinal Baseball)
Time For The Relievers (The View From Here)
What Does Your Cardinals Jersey Say About You? (C70 At The Bat)
–Write-in: _______________
I voted for the "RIP Stan The Man" piece. It was a fine tribute to "The Man".
14) Best UCB Project
–Cardinal HOF Inductees
–Cardinal HOF Memorabilia
–Roundtables
–Top 7 Prospects
–Write-in: ____________
I like doing the roundtables with everyone and getting their perspective on the Cardinals.
15) Best UCB Podcast
–Conversations With C70
–Gateway To Baseball Heaven
–UCB Radio Hour
–Write-in: _None-I don't follow podcasts
16) Best UCB Twitterer
–Write-in: None - I don't follow twitter much
So, those are my picks. Who or what would you have picked differently?
Team Awards
1) Cardinal Position Player of the Year
–Matt Carpenter
–Allen Craig
–Yadier Molina
–Write-in: ___________
To me, this was a no-brainer. Not only did Yadi have another fine offensive year, but he was another pitching coach on the field and the Cardinals went through a seemingly endless supply of rookie pitchers. Without him, I do not think we would have made the playoffs.
2) Cardinal Pitcher of the Year
–Edward Mujica
–Trevor Rosenthal
–Adam Wainwright
–Write-in: ___________
Another no-brainer. Adam Wainwright was the best starter and returned to his proper place as ace of the Cardinals staff.
3) Game of the Year
–May 10 vs. Colorado (Miller’s almost-perfecto)
–May 11 vs. Colorado (Wainwright’s no-hitter into 8th)
–August 26 vs. Cincinnati (comeback capped by Craig slam)
–September 4 at Cincinnati (Adams 2 extra-inning HR)
–September 24 vs. Nationals (Wacha near no-no)
–Game 4, NLDS
–Write-in: ____________
I went with Game 4 of the NLDS. Facing elimination, Michael Wacha pitched a 1 hitter through 7.1 innings, giving up only a solo homer to Cardinals killer Pedro Alvarez in the 8th, before fellow rookies Carlos Martinez and Trevor Rosenthal shut the door.
4) Surprise Player of the Year
–Matt Carpenter
–Joe Kelly
–Edward Mujica
–Kevin Siegrist
–Write-in: ______________
Mujica stepped up big time this year, becoming the Cardinals closer after Jason Motte was lost to injury and Mitchell Boggs fell apart. It was a huge leap for a career middle reliever and he took to his new role well.
5) Disappointing Player of the Year
–David Freese
–Pete Kozma
–Fernando Salas
–Write-in: _______________
Freese's lack of production in 2013 was surprising after a very good year in 2012 and may open the door for Kolten Wong (and an offseason trade for Freese).
6) Rookie of the Year
–Matt Adams
–Carlos Martinez
–Shelby Miller
–Michael Wacha
–Write-in: ______________
While Wacha was outstanding in the postseason, there would have been no postseason if not for the excellent work turned in by Miller. His 15 wins and 3.09 ERA were second to Adam Wainwright among the Cardinals regular starters.
7) Acquisition of the Year
–John Axford
–Randy Choate
–Write-in: ______________
I'm sure most of you would pick Ty Wigginton for acqusition of the year (just kidding), but considering how few moves the Cardinals made, Choate was just what the Cards needed. The epitome of a LOOGY, Choate only pitched 35.1, but had a 2.29 ERA and held lefties to a .176 average.
8) Most Anticipated Cardinal
–Stephen Piscotty
–Lee Stoppleman
–Oscar Taveras
–Write-in: ______________
Injuries derailed Taveras' season, but they did not diminish his top prospect status.
Blog Awards
9) Best Individual Cardinal Blog*
–Write-in: _Retro Simba
Like most baseball fans, I get caught up in the history of the game and Retro Simba provides a unique perspective on the history of the Cardinals.
10) Best Team Cardinal Blog*
–Write-in: Viva el Birdos
There is no surprise that VeB has been around for so long.
*–Individual means the blog was written mainly by one person, while a team blog is composed usually by two or more. For classification’s sake, each blog under The Cardinal Conclave label are considered separate entities and should be considered in either team (Pitchers Hit Eighth) or individual (everyone else).
11) Best Media Coverage
–Derrick Goold
–Jenifer Langosch
–Stan McNeal
–Bernie Miklasz
–Joe Strauss
–Write-in: ____________
Langosch has proven time and again that she belongs with the big boys.
12) Best Rookie Cardinal Blog
–CardinalsFarm
–Dose of Buffa
–stlcupofjoe’s Sports Page
–The View From Here
–Write-in: ____________
Good writing and analysis.
13) Post of the Year
Bad Body Language Has No Place In Baseball (Cardinals Fan in Cubs Land)
Closing The Book On The John Axford Trade (On The Outside Corner)
Doors Close On The Cardinals In 2013 (Dose of Buffa)
How A B-17 Nearly Clipped Cardinals In World Series (RetroSimba)
Matt Holliday: One Of The Most Cost Effective Players In Baseball (stlcupofjoe’s Sports Page)
Memories Help Come To Terms With The Season’s End (Aaron Miles’ Fastball)
RIP Stan The Man (Women Who Love Cardinal Baseball)
Time For The Relievers (The View From Here)
What Does Your Cardinals Jersey Say About You? (C70 At The Bat)
–Write-in: _______________
I voted for the "RIP Stan The Man" piece. It was a fine tribute to "The Man".
14) Best UCB Project
–Cardinal HOF Inductees
–Cardinal HOF Memorabilia
–Roundtables
–Top 7 Prospects
–Write-in: ____________
I like doing the roundtables with everyone and getting their perspective on the Cardinals.
15) Best UCB Podcast
–Conversations With C70
–Gateway To Baseball Heaven
–UCB Radio Hour
–Write-in: _None-I don't follow podcasts
16) Best UCB Twitterer
–Write-in: None - I don't follow twitter much
So, those are my picks. Who or what would you have picked differently?
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