Worrell making strides in winter ball
01/13/2006
Closers, it seems, are more often made than born. The list of the best ninth-inning pitchers includes more converted starters and emergency fill-ins -- see Gagne, Eric -- than guys who were groomed to pitch the ninth inning from an early age.
That's not to say it never happens, though -- witness Chad Cordero in Washington, one of the game's best young relievers. And the Cardinals are hoping it happens again in a couple of years, with a right-hander named Mark Worrell.
A product of Florida International University, Worrell has climbed steadily through the St. Louis system, and he enjoyed a fine season at Class A Palm Beach in 2005. Worrell has followed up that campaign with an even better showing in winter ball, pitching for Mazatlan of the Mexican Pacific League.
Still, fans shouldn't get too far ahead of themselves just yet. It's a long way from Palm Beach to St. Louis. Worrell isn't even expected to be invited to Major League Spring Training next month.
But his strong showing has helped bolster his regard within the organization. During the regular season for Mazatlan, where fellow prospect Chris Duncan is a teammate, Worrell allowed one run in 11 2/3 innings over 13 appearances, good for a 0.77 ERA. He struck out 10 against just one walk and didn't permit a home run.
It's been slightly tougher sledding for Worrell in the postseason, as he's put up a 3.86 ERA and walked three batters over four appearances. Nonetheless, he's receiving some valuable experience against a higher caliber of opponent than one finds in the Florida State League.
Source: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/
Closers, it seems, are more often made than born. The list of the best ninth-inning pitchers includes more converted starters and emergency fill-ins -- see Gagne, Eric -- than guys who were groomed to pitch the ninth inning from an early age.
That's not to say it never happens, though -- witness Chad Cordero in Washington, one of the game's best young relievers. And the Cardinals are hoping it happens again in a couple of years, with a right-hander named Mark Worrell.
A product of Florida International University, Worrell has climbed steadily through the St. Louis system, and he enjoyed a fine season at Class A Palm Beach in 2005. Worrell has followed up that campaign with an even better showing in winter ball, pitching for Mazatlan of the Mexican Pacific League.
Still, fans shouldn't get too far ahead of themselves just yet. It's a long way from Palm Beach to St. Louis. Worrell isn't even expected to be invited to Major League Spring Training next month.
But his strong showing has helped bolster his regard within the organization. During the regular season for Mazatlan, where fellow prospect Chris Duncan is a teammate, Worrell allowed one run in 11 2/3 innings over 13 appearances, good for a 0.77 ERA. He struck out 10 against just one walk and didn't permit a home run.
It's been slightly tougher sledding for Worrell in the postseason, as he's put up a 3.86 ERA and walked three batters over four appearances. Nonetheless, he's receiving some valuable experience against a higher caliber of opponent than one finds in the Florida State League.
Source: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/
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