Cards have issues, but also plenty of options
05/08/2008
The Cardinals are one of the hottest teams in the major leagues. But, like most other teams, they also have issues.
Such is the nature of Our National Pastime. During the grind of the 162-game marathon, various team parts break down.
Fortunately, the organization is stronger this year. The team has developed a self-renewing talent base capable of filling needs from within.
The team shut down
Mark Mulder for a week or two after his oft-injured shoulder developed “fatigue” during his unsuccessful rehab stint in Memphis.
But the Cards aren’t sweating his absence. They have the depth to soldier on without him. Their current five-man rotation is solid, even with
Chris Carpenter, Matt Clement and
Brad Thompson also sidelined.
And if further needs arise, the Cards have internal solutions. Prospect
Mike Parisi moved up to the big club to provide long relief and an emergency start, if needed.
Anthony Reyes is back in the Memphis rotation, rebuilding his stamina as a starter. Top starting pitching prospect
Jaime Garcia just moved up from the Class AA level.
Mitchell Boggs (4-1, 4.23 earned-run average) just won another game for Memphis, continuing his progress toward the majors.
Relief pitching is another concern. Closer
Jason Isringhausen suffered his fourth blown save of the season Wednesday night in Colorado. This time, he felt pretty good about the pitches he threw. This time, he actually faced a tough save situation, thanks to the damage the Rockies did against
Kyle McClellan and
Randy Flores earlier in the eighth inning.
A LOT of bad things will have to happen to convince
Tony La Russa to move away from Izzy as closer. He prefers to deploy a veteran in that role. Isringhausen remains on steadier ground than, say,
Kerry Wood of the Cubs or
Eric Gagne of the Brewers.
And the Cards have more like him (McClellan). Down at Memphis,
Chris Perez (1.72 ERA, eight saves in 16 appearances) and
Jason Motte (1.76 ERA in 14 appearances) are being groomed as short relievers. Like McClellan, they would be candidates to succeed Isringhausen when that time comes.
On the catching front, the Cards are developing another option.
Jason La Rue is a fine receiver and an excellent game manager, but he has just two hits in 30 at-bats this season. If something bad happened to
Yadier Molina, La Rue would become a massive offensive liability. So the organization is pleased that
Bryan Anderson has cleaned up his defense while hitting his way up the ladder to Memphis.
Should the Cards lose a position player to injury,
Joe Mather is ready to help. He plays the corner infield and outfield spots, a la
Scott Spiezio, and he would add another righthanded bat with pop.
STLtoday - Cards have issues, but also plenty of options
Cards have issues, but also plenty of options
Cards have issues, but also plenty of options
Linear Mode
