Brian34Cook

Thompson appears to beat out Reyes
03/22/2008


February 20, 2008 -- Cardinals pitcher Brad Thompson

JUPITER, Fla. — The Cardinals issued a tacit statement Friday, all but declaring Brad Thompson the winner over Anthony Reyes as fifth starter in their season-opening rotation. Technically the matter remains unresolved.

Manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan made no announcement, though Duncan thought the indicators "obvious to anyone who's been paying attention."

The Cardinals will start Thompson, not Reyes, in Monday's cross-state exhibition in Fort Myers, Fla., against the Minnesota Twins.

First listed as the backup to Todd Wellemeyer against the New York Mets on Sunday, Reyes was later shifted to Tuesday's exhibition against the Washington Nationals. La Russa explained the move as keeping Braden Looper away from a team he will face during the regular season's first home stand. He did not elaborate on Reyes' floater status.

La Russa confirmed that he and Duncan have defined the rotation but quickly added that "impressions can still be made. The competition is close enough."

Official word is likely to wait at least until after Thompson's start Monday.

STLtoday - Thompson appears to beat out Reyes

JohnDoolittle

I'm happy for Thompson, but I hope they don't throw away Reyes. If they have to send him to Memphis I would be fine with that. I really believe that some of these other starters will either be ineffective or get injured. Reyes could still turn it around and be a good pitcher. I'm not ready to toss him under the bus yet.

Brian34Cook

Yep I'm not ready to throw Reyes away yet but we keep waiting and waiting and waiting.. isnt there a time they should try and get something for him if they dont wanna give him a chance this year?

JohnDoolittle

Young pitchers take a long time to develop. Sure, some team would take him off the Cards hands, but you aren't going to get much. I would rather give him the one more shot. If that doesn't work, say adios amigo to Anthony.