Brian34Cook

Reyes looks better; Mulder impressive
02/29/2008


Anthony Reyes throws to a New York Mets batter.

JUPITER, Fla. -- A critical element of the improvement the Cardinals want to see in Anthony Reyes before plugging him into the rotation is ability to lower pitch counts.

The righthander did that Thursday, in the first Grapefruit League game. Reyes pitched three scoreless innings, did not walk a New York Met and started what became a 7-0 victory for the Cardinals.

He did it in 30 pitches, 23 of which were strikes. Reyes has displayed better command of his fastball every time he has pitched, and Thursday it hummed consistently at 90 mph to 91 mph, scouts said.

"Pitched with a real good tempo," manager Tony La Russa said. "… When he's pitched well, a lot of it has to do with controlling his delivery."

Mulder impressive

Mark Mulder increased the intensity of his bullpen sessions with a 45-pitch outing Thursday that left teammates and coaches impressed. He was only droll. "Compared to what they've had to watch the last couple years," the lefty said, "a lot of things would look good."

That's kind of the crux, his pitching coach said.

"It's the best I've seen him mechanically since he's been here," pitching coach Dave Duncan said, referring to Mulder's arrival before the 2005 season.

Duncan sees a pitcher whose delivery has returned to the point that he can focus on gaining strength and health. It's possible he will be throwing to hitters before the Cardinals leave Florida.

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