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.
Showing posts with label Sam Freeman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam Freeman. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Monday, February 24, 2014
How does Jaime Garcia's injury affect the Cardinals bullpen?
With Jaime Garcia nursing a sore shoulder and already ruled out of the rotation, at least for the beginning of the season, one of either Joe Kelly or Carlos Martinez will take over for him. However, as both of those guys were slated to fill roles in the Cardinals pen, what do the Cards do to fill that hole?
Currently the bullpen consists of closer Trevor Rosenthal, setup men Kevin Siegrist and Seth Maness, LOOGY Randy Choate and a bunch of question marks.
With a healthy Garcia, Martinez could have served as the 8th inning guy while Kelly could have acted as a swing-man, filling the long-relief role and making spot starts, as needed. However, if Martinez earns a rotation spot, who will pitch the 8th or if Kelly earns the spot, who is your long-reliever/spot starter?
Jason Motte has shown good progress to date and could potentially be ready for a bullpen role at the start of the season. But, do the Cardinals want to throw him right into the fire and make him the 8th guy? Not likely.
Pat Neshek was signed to a minor league deal and could be a nice addition to the pen. He has a career 3.07 ERA over 7 years, including a 3.35 ERA in 40.1 innings last year with Oakland.
Then you've got young guys like Sam Freeman and Keith Butler who could earn a spot in the pen, but are largely unproven.
My feeling is that Kelly will earn the 5th starter spot and that Martinez will serve as the 8th inning guy, at least at the start of the season. Once Motte proves himself healthy and reliable, he can take over the 8th inning role and allow Martinez to head down to AAA to stretch himself out for the rotation. He can then take over for Kelly down the stretch, if needed.
The benefits to this are two-fold. One, it preserves Martinez' innings so that the Cardinals do not overtax him in his first full big league season and two it gives the team another extended look at Kelly as a starter to determine if he's really as good as his career 13-9 and 3.03 ERA record (in 31 starts) would indicate.
I still think Martinez is best used as a starter and therefore want him to get more work in AAA this season to refine his secondary pitches, thus I only see his stint in the bullpen as a temporary assignment. However, if things don't go well, i.e. Motte is ineffective or the other rookies don't step up, Martinez may end up in the pen all year, which could be a detriment to his development.
In any case, its nice to have some pitching depth when it comes to the Cardinals starters, but it makes you wonder if the Cards have enough depth in the pen.
Currently the bullpen consists of closer Trevor Rosenthal, setup men Kevin Siegrist and Seth Maness, LOOGY Randy Choate and a bunch of question marks.
With a healthy Garcia, Martinez could have served as the 8th inning guy while Kelly could have acted as a swing-man, filling the long-relief role and making spot starts, as needed. However, if Martinez earns a rotation spot, who will pitch the 8th or if Kelly earns the spot, who is your long-reliever/spot starter?
Jason Motte has shown good progress to date and could potentially be ready for a bullpen role at the start of the season. But, do the Cardinals want to throw him right into the fire and make him the 8th guy? Not likely.
Pat Neshek was signed to a minor league deal and could be a nice addition to the pen. He has a career 3.07 ERA over 7 years, including a 3.35 ERA in 40.1 innings last year with Oakland.
Then you've got young guys like Sam Freeman and Keith Butler who could earn a spot in the pen, but are largely unproven.
My feeling is that Kelly will earn the 5th starter spot and that Martinez will serve as the 8th inning guy, at least at the start of the season. Once Motte proves himself healthy and reliable, he can take over the 8th inning role and allow Martinez to head down to AAA to stretch himself out for the rotation. He can then take over for Kelly down the stretch, if needed.
The benefits to this are two-fold. One, it preserves Martinez' innings so that the Cardinals do not overtax him in his first full big league season and two it gives the team another extended look at Kelly as a starter to determine if he's really as good as his career 13-9 and 3.03 ERA record (in 31 starts) would indicate.
I still think Martinez is best used as a starter and therefore want him to get more work in AAA this season to refine his secondary pitches, thus I only see his stint in the bullpen as a temporary assignment. However, if things don't go well, i.e. Motte is ineffective or the other rookies don't step up, Martinez may end up in the pen all year, which could be a detriment to his development.
In any case, its nice to have some pitching depth when it comes to the Cardinals starters, but it makes you wonder if the Cards have enough depth in the pen.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Who are the Cardinals trade chips?
After taking a look at who the Cardinals might pursue at the trade deadline a couple weeks ago, its time to think about who the Cards might trade to get some of those players. This is not to say that any of these players will be traded in July, but that these guys are, for various reasons, potential trade chips for the team.
First Tier - The Blockbuster Guys
These guys would only be traded in a blockbuster type deal. I'm thinking along the lines of Cliff Lee, Jurickson Profar or Giancarlo Stanton.
Oscar Taveras
The Cardinals top prospect is likely untouchable, but if it meant getting a player that the team could control for several years, such as Profar or Stanton, I'm sure the Cards would at least consider it. Taveras is considered the heir apparent to Carlos Beltran in the Cardinals outfield. However, the emergence of Matt Adams could make Taveras expendable.
Carlos Martinez
Martinez is pitching well at AAA and could be a staple in the Cardinals rotation for years to come. However, with the abundance of young power arms in the Cards farm system, the team could decide to move him if it meant getting a guy like Lee in return. There have been questions as to whether Martinez is better suited for the rotation or pen going forward and if the Cardinals don't think he is suited for the rotation, they could make the move. They just don't want to end up making another Dan Haren for Mark Mulder type of deal.
Second Tier - The Big Deal Guys
These are guys who probably wouldn't be used in a blockbuster type deal, but could get the Cardinals a quality player in return.
Matt Adams
Adams has proven that he is major league ready, but as he is blocked from a starting gig this year and Oscar Taveras is coming up behind him, the Cardinals could make him available for the right piece. It would have to be someone like Matt Garza, Bud Norris or possibly Ricky Nolasco.
Kolten Wong
Wong is another guy who is blocked at the major league level, which could make him expendable. As one of the Cardinals top 10 prospects, the team would like a good player in return. The Phillies could be a possibility if the Cardinals want to upgrade at short with Jimmy Rollins or perhaps Wong could be used in a bigger deal.
Bottom Tier - The Missing Piece Guys
These are guys who the Cardinals might move just to get the final piece to their playoff puzzle, such as another bullpen arm. Something along the lines of the Cards Zack Cox for Edward Mujica trade last year.
Sam Freeman
Despite posting good numbers at AAA Memphis so far this year (3.30 ERA in 54.2 innings), the Cardinals have passed on Freeman on several occasions when looking for bullpen help. At age 26, he is no longer considered a prime prospect, but he still throws in the mid-90's and could develop into a good setup man at the major league level. The Cardinals could potentially swap him for someone like lefties Wesley Wright or Oliver Perez.
Seth Blair
Blair has fallen behind other starting pitchers in the Cardinals organization due to injury and could be trade bait as a result. He throws 92-94 mph with a potential plus curve and could garner a reliever in return, such as Steve Cishek or John Axford.
These are just a handful of the players the Cardinals might make available at the trade deadline. With the best minor league system in baseball, the Cards have an abundance of talent to draw from to get a deal done.
First Tier - The Blockbuster Guys
These guys would only be traded in a blockbuster type deal. I'm thinking along the lines of Cliff Lee, Jurickson Profar or Giancarlo Stanton.
Oscar Taveras
The Cardinals top prospect is likely untouchable, but if it meant getting a player that the team could control for several years, such as Profar or Stanton, I'm sure the Cards would at least consider it. Taveras is considered the heir apparent to Carlos Beltran in the Cardinals outfield. However, the emergence of Matt Adams could make Taveras expendable.
Carlos Martinez
Martinez is pitching well at AAA and could be a staple in the Cardinals rotation for years to come. However, with the abundance of young power arms in the Cards farm system, the team could decide to move him if it meant getting a guy like Lee in return. There have been questions as to whether Martinez is better suited for the rotation or pen going forward and if the Cardinals don't think he is suited for the rotation, they could make the move. They just don't want to end up making another Dan Haren for Mark Mulder type of deal.
Second Tier - The Big Deal Guys
These are guys who probably wouldn't be used in a blockbuster type deal, but could get the Cardinals a quality player in return.
Matt Adams
Adams has proven that he is major league ready, but as he is blocked from a starting gig this year and Oscar Taveras is coming up behind him, the Cardinals could make him available for the right piece. It would have to be someone like Matt Garza, Bud Norris or possibly Ricky Nolasco.
Kolten Wong
Wong is another guy who is blocked at the major league level, which could make him expendable. As one of the Cardinals top 10 prospects, the team would like a good player in return. The Phillies could be a possibility if the Cardinals want to upgrade at short with Jimmy Rollins or perhaps Wong could be used in a bigger deal.
Bottom Tier - The Missing Piece Guys
These are guys who the Cardinals might move just to get the final piece to their playoff puzzle, such as another bullpen arm. Something along the lines of the Cards Zack Cox for Edward Mujica trade last year.
Sam Freeman
Despite posting good numbers at AAA Memphis so far this year (3.30 ERA in 54.2 innings), the Cardinals have passed on Freeman on several occasions when looking for bullpen help. At age 26, he is no longer considered a prime prospect, but he still throws in the mid-90's and could develop into a good setup man at the major league level. The Cardinals could potentially swap him for someone like lefties Wesley Wright or Oliver Perez.
Seth Blair
Blair has fallen behind other starting pitchers in the Cardinals organization due to injury and could be trade bait as a result. He throws 92-94 mph with a potential plus curve and could garner a reliever in return, such as Steve Cishek or John Axford.
These are just a handful of the players the Cardinals might make available at the trade deadline. With the best minor league system in baseball, the Cards have an abundance of talent to draw from to get a deal done.
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