There was a time, not so long ago, that the Cardinals were the envy of General Managers everywhere for their pitching depth. You think your team has good pitching depth? We had 3 guys who can throw 95+ mph (Shelby Miller, Joe Kelly and Trevor Rosenthal) vying for our 5th starter spot in 2013.
Now, with the expectation that Adam Wainwright will miss the rest of the season with an Achilles tendon injury, per Ken Rosenthal, the Cardinals pitching depth, or lack thereof, is going to come into question.
Gone are Joe Kelly (traded to Boston last year for John Lackey) and Shelby Miller (traded for Jason Heyward). Rosenthal is the Cardinals closer and the pipeline of power arms seems to have dried up.
Now the Cards pitching depth consists of a bunch of lefty control specialists (Marco Gonzales, Tim Cooney and Tyler Lyons), while the team's remaining minor league power arms are either being groomed for relief (Sam Tuivailala) or are too far away from the majors to offer much help this year (Alex Reyes).
What is even more concerning is that, while he should have been groomed as a starter and allowed to build up his innings each year, Carlos Martinez spent the last two years in the Cardinals bullpen and, as a result, he will likely face an innings limit this year (speculated to be around 150 innings).
Another concern is that Michael Wacha will likely be on a similar innings limit as well, after a stress fracture sidelined him for a few months last year.
Assuming that Wainwright is out for the year and Martinez and Wacha reach their innings limits in mid-to-late August, who is going to step in to fill those voids? Who will be in the Cardinals rotation in the playoffs? Will they even make the playoffs?
These are legitimate concerns for a team that use to pride itself on its pitching depth. What use to be a strength now appears to be a weakness and the team could suffer as a result.
Showing posts with label injury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label injury. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Adam Wainwright injured: Who might replace him in Cardinals' rotation?
In case you missed it, Adam Wainwright was injured tonight trying to get out of the batter's box on a popup of all things. He will undergo an MRI to see the extent of the injury, but its likely he's headed to the DL.
Its uncertain how long he will be out, with some speculating that, if he has a torn Achilles, he could miss the rest of the season. However, that is the worst case scenario.
At a minimum, he will probably miss at least one start, leading to the question of who will replace him in the starting rotation? Here are the Cardinals' options:
Marco Gonzales
The first and most logical choice is Marco Gonzales. He pitched well during the spring, losing out in the 5th starter race to Carlos Martinez, despite going 3-0 with a 1.04 ERA.
As an added bonus, he is already on the 40-man roster, so calling him up would not cause the Cards any roster management headaches.
The only problem with Gonzo is that he has not pitched too well in the early going at AAA, with a 4.50 ERA in 3 starts.
Tim Cooney
Cooney has fared the best of any of the AAA starters, with a 3.63 ERA in 3 starts. His stuff is reminiscent of Gonzales, relying on his changeup and control, instead of trying to overpower hitters. However, he is not as far along as Gonzales and the Cards may want to give him more time to develop.
Add in the fact that he is not on the 40-man roster and its unlikely that he gets the call.
Tyler Lyons
Yet another lefty, like Gonzales and Cooney, Lyons has made 12 starts for the Cardinals over the last two years, serving mostly as a stopgap until someone better was ready to take over.
He could serve the same function this year, if the Cards feel that the need to give Gonzales more time to get into a groove or if they think Wainwright will only miss a minimal amount of time.
He is also on the 40-man roster, which is an added bonus.
UPDATE:
It appears that the Wainwright is going to miss the rest of the year with an Achilles injury, so Gonzales is the likely choice to fill in. However, Gonzales is currently dealing with a shoulder/pectoral muscle injury, so Lyons will likely get the call in the short term.
Of course, they could always trade for Cole Hamels, but that is a story for another day....
Its uncertain how long he will be out, with some speculating that, if he has a torn Achilles, he could miss the rest of the season. However, that is the worst case scenario.
At a minimum, he will probably miss at least one start, leading to the question of who will replace him in the starting rotation? Here are the Cardinals' options:
Marco Gonzales
The first and most logical choice is Marco Gonzales. He pitched well during the spring, losing out in the 5th starter race to Carlos Martinez, despite going 3-0 with a 1.04 ERA.
As an added bonus, he is already on the 40-man roster, so calling him up would not cause the Cards any roster management headaches.
The only problem with Gonzo is that he has not pitched too well in the early going at AAA, with a 4.50 ERA in 3 starts.
Tim Cooney
Cooney has fared the best of any of the AAA starters, with a 3.63 ERA in 3 starts. His stuff is reminiscent of Gonzales, relying on his changeup and control, instead of trying to overpower hitters. However, he is not as far along as Gonzales and the Cards may want to give him more time to develop.
Add in the fact that he is not on the 40-man roster and its unlikely that he gets the call.
Tyler Lyons
Yet another lefty, like Gonzales and Cooney, Lyons has made 12 starts for the Cardinals over the last two years, serving mostly as a stopgap until someone better was ready to take over.
He could serve the same function this year, if the Cards feel that the need to give Gonzales more time to get into a groove or if they think Wainwright will only miss a minimal amount of time.
He is also on the 40-man roster, which is an added bonus.
UPDATE:
It appears that the Wainwright is going to miss the rest of the year with an Achilles injury, so Gonzales is the likely choice to fill in. However, Gonzales is currently dealing with a shoulder/pectoral muscle injury, so Lyons will likely get the call in the short term.
Of course, they could always trade for Cole Hamels, but that is a story for another day....
Thursday, July 10, 2014
How do Cardinals replace Yadier Molina?
Short answer: You can't.
The Cardinals playoff chances took a big hit today as the team found out that starting catcher Yadier Molina would miss 8-12 weeks after suffering a ligament tear in his right thumb. That timetable puts him out until mid-to-late September, effectively ending his season, although he could be back in time for the playoffs (if the Cards make it).
This is the worst thing that could have happened to an already struggling team. Not only are the Cardinals losing one of their better hitters, but they are also losing the leader on defense and a guy who acts like a manager on the field.
Molina has been invaluable in working with the Cardinals young pitchers and helping them develop, while his throwing ability as well as his ability to frame pitches saves the team several runs each year.
Backup Tony Cruz will take over for Molina in the short-term, while GM John Mozeliak has already acknowledged that he will scour the market for any available catchers, according to Jennifer Langosch.
But what catchers might be available?
Well, the Yankees have an abundance of catchers in their system and Brian McCann, who they signed to a 5-year deal prior to the season, blocking them all.
According to David Lennon of Newsday, the Yankees could make Francisco Cervelli available. He is a career .271/.342/.368 hitter, but has only thrown out 22% of base stealers in his career.
ESPN's Jim Bowden (via Bernie Miklasz), also lists the following catchers as being available:
Kurt Suzuki, Twins.
Carlos Ruiz, Phillies.
Hector Sanchez, Giants.
John Buck, Mariners
A.J. Pierzynski, Red Sox
Ryan Hanigan, Rays.
Jose Molina, Rays
Buck and Pierzynski were recently designated for assignment and can probably be acquired for cheap. Ruiz would only be available if Phillies GM Ruben Amaro finally admits defeat and starts selling. Yadier's brother Jose is also well known for his defense (37% CS) and pitch framing, but is a career .235 hitter and is hitting only .187 this year. Suzuki and Sanchez are pretty similar. Sanchez has a career .257 average and has thrown out 26% of basestealer, while Sanchez has a .251 average and 26% CS). Hanigan has thrown out base stealers at a career 39% rate, but his offense has dropped off considerably the last two years.
None of these guys are going to replace Yadier, but there are a few who could be upgrades over Tony Cruz and that's all Mozeliak will be looking for at this point. What this really means is that other Cardinals need to step it up to help replace Molina's production. If not, this season could be over in a hurry.
The Cardinals playoff chances took a big hit today as the team found out that starting catcher Yadier Molina would miss 8-12 weeks after suffering a ligament tear in his right thumb. That timetable puts him out until mid-to-late September, effectively ending his season, although he could be back in time for the playoffs (if the Cards make it).
This is the worst thing that could have happened to an already struggling team. Not only are the Cardinals losing one of their better hitters, but they are also losing the leader on defense and a guy who acts like a manager on the field.
Molina has been invaluable in working with the Cardinals young pitchers and helping them develop, while his throwing ability as well as his ability to frame pitches saves the team several runs each year.
Backup Tony Cruz will take over for Molina in the short-term, while GM John Mozeliak has already acknowledged that he will scour the market for any available catchers, according to Jennifer Langosch.
But what catchers might be available?
Well, the Yankees have an abundance of catchers in their system and Brian McCann, who they signed to a 5-year deal prior to the season, blocking them all.
According to David Lennon of Newsday, the Yankees could make Francisco Cervelli available. He is a career .271/.342/.368 hitter, but has only thrown out 22% of base stealers in his career.
ESPN's Jim Bowden (via Bernie Miklasz), also lists the following catchers as being available:
Kurt Suzuki, Twins.
Carlos Ruiz, Phillies.
Hector Sanchez, Giants.
John Buck, Mariners
A.J. Pierzynski, Red Sox
Ryan Hanigan, Rays.
Jose Molina, Rays
Buck and Pierzynski were recently designated for assignment and can probably be acquired for cheap. Ruiz would only be available if Phillies GM Ruben Amaro finally admits defeat and starts selling. Yadier's brother Jose is also well known for his defense (37% CS) and pitch framing, but is a career .235 hitter and is hitting only .187 this year. Suzuki and Sanchez are pretty similar. Sanchez has a career .257 average and has thrown out 26% of basestealer, while Sanchez has a .251 average and 26% CS). Hanigan has thrown out base stealers at a career 39% rate, but his offense has dropped off considerably the last two years.
None of these guys are going to replace Yadier, but there are a few who could be upgrades over Tony Cruz and that's all Mozeliak will be looking for at this point. What this really means is that other Cardinals need to step it up to help replace Molina's production. If not, this season could be over in a hurry.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Cardinals and Jaime Garcia dodge a bullet, for now
Jaime Garcia has been diagnosed with shoulder inflamation, as MRI's showed no structural damage.
This is good news for both the Cardinals and Garcia, who will be given a cortisone shot and some rest before getting back at it. There is currently no timetable for his return.
However, this recent episode brings up the question as to how much the Cardinals can rely on Garcia this year. The team still hopes he will be able to make a significant contribution to this season, but he will not be ready to start come opening day.
Garcia's shoulder injuries have been a concern of mine (and many other Cardinals fans) for the last 3 years. But, when healthy, he has proven that he is one of the top 5 starters on the team.
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.
This is good news for both the Cardinals and Garcia, who will be given a cortisone shot and some rest before getting back at it. There is currently no timetable for his return.
However, this recent episode brings up the question as to how much the Cardinals can rely on Garcia this year. The team still hopes he will be able to make a significant contribution to this season, but he will not be ready to start come opening day.
Garcia's shoulder injuries have been a concern of mine (and many other Cardinals fans) for the last 3 years. But, when healthy, he has proven that he is one of the top 5 starters on the team.
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Rafael Furcal to undergo Tommy John surgery.
Jennifer Langosch broke the news this morning and it was confirmed by Derrick Goold that Rafael Furcal will undergo Tommy John surgery, as soon as next week, which will knock him out for all of the 2013 season.
With that issue finally settled, albeit in a bad way, the Cardinals need to move forward and, as I see it, the they have 3 options:
1. Go with what they've got
Sure none of Ronny Cedeno, Pete Kozma and Ryan Jackson don't inspire confidence as the Cardinals full-time option at short, but, as my blogging cohorts at Viva el Birdos point out, the Cards have had worse shortstops and succeeded.
While it may not be the best option, going with the current triumvirate for this season gives the Cardinals time to sort out their strengths and (other) weaknesses. Although the Cardinals are said to have an abundance of pitching, it will take them time to sort it out and determine if they want to trade some of that pitching to fill their shortstop hole.
They can then address the shortstop situation next offseason.
2. Make a move now
Another option would be to try to shore up the shortstop position now (or before the season starts). The Cardinals are nearing a decision as to who their 5th starter will be. Once that decision is made, could they use the "loser" of that battle as trade bait for a shortstop?
Texas is looking for pitching after recently losing Martin Perez to injury and they have stud prospect Jurickson Profar waiting in the wings to replace their current shortstop Elvis Andrus. Colorado is also in need of pitching and they have Josh Rutledge capable of taking over for Troy Tulowitzki at short.
However, are the Cardinals prepared to take on Tulowitzki's salary--he's owed $144 million over the next 8 years (including a $4 million buyout of his 2021 option). Andrus' salary is a bit more reasonable, but he is only signed through 2014 and the Cardinals would probably want to sign him to an extension.
3. Make a move in July
To split the difference between the first two options, the Cardinals could decide to make a move to acquire a shortstop in July. That is how they acquired Furcal a few years ago.
This option would give the Cardinals time to see who establishes himself as their 5th starter and thereby help the Cards to better identify their trade chips. Also, teams are always looking for pitching for the stretch run and this would give the Cardinals more leverage in trade negotiations.
Finally, if the Cardinals cannot reach an agreement on an extension with Adam Wainwright and if they are out of contention, they could flip Wainwright for a young shortstop that can fill the position for several years.
Basically, it would give the Cardinals more time to sort out their options, while also giving them more leverage than an offseason trade.
Overall, I think the Cardinals will go with the third option and make a trade for a shortstop in July as it makes the most sense, given the circumstances. Until then, we'll just have to live with 3+ months of below replacement level play at short.
With that issue finally settled, albeit in a bad way, the Cardinals need to move forward and, as I see it, the they have 3 options:
1. Go with what they've got
Sure none of Ronny Cedeno, Pete Kozma and Ryan Jackson don't inspire confidence as the Cardinals full-time option at short, but, as my blogging cohorts at Viva el Birdos point out, the Cards have had worse shortstops and succeeded.
While it may not be the best option, going with the current triumvirate for this season gives the Cardinals time to sort out their strengths and (other) weaknesses. Although the Cardinals are said to have an abundance of pitching, it will take them time to sort it out and determine if they want to trade some of that pitching to fill their shortstop hole.
They can then address the shortstop situation next offseason.
2. Make a move now
Another option would be to try to shore up the shortstop position now (or before the season starts). The Cardinals are nearing a decision as to who their 5th starter will be. Once that decision is made, could they use the "loser" of that battle as trade bait for a shortstop?
Texas is looking for pitching after recently losing Martin Perez to injury and they have stud prospect Jurickson Profar waiting in the wings to replace their current shortstop Elvis Andrus. Colorado is also in need of pitching and they have Josh Rutledge capable of taking over for Troy Tulowitzki at short.
However, are the Cardinals prepared to take on Tulowitzki's salary--he's owed $144 million over the next 8 years (including a $4 million buyout of his 2021 option). Andrus' salary is a bit more reasonable, but he is only signed through 2014 and the Cardinals would probably want to sign him to an extension.
3. Make a move in July
To split the difference between the first two options, the Cardinals could decide to make a move to acquire a shortstop in July. That is how they acquired Furcal a few years ago.
This option would give the Cardinals time to see who establishes himself as their 5th starter and thereby help the Cards to better identify their trade chips. Also, teams are always looking for pitching for the stretch run and this would give the Cardinals more leverage in trade negotiations.
Finally, if the Cardinals cannot reach an agreement on an extension with Adam Wainwright and if they are out of contention, they could flip Wainwright for a young shortstop that can fill the position for several years.
Basically, it would give the Cardinals more time to sort out their options, while also giving them more leverage than an offseason trade.
Overall, I think the Cardinals will go with the third option and make a trade for a shortstop in July as it makes the most sense, given the circumstances. Until then, we'll just have to live with 3+ months of below replacement level play at short.
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