Notes: Cards stacked with relievers
03/19/2006
JUPITER, Fla. -- Sorting out his 2006 bullpen has proved to be more complex than Cardinals manager Tony La Russa might have expected. The thing is, complex is good.
Early forecasts had Jeff Nelson and the loser of the fifth-starter derby filling out the last two spots in the relief corps. However, strong showings by a number of competing pitchers have changed the equation dramatically.
The Cardinals could go with three left-handers in the 'pen. They could move a starter like Anthony Reyes or Adam Wainwright to the bullpen for long relief. They could take a non-roster long man in the form of Josh Hancock, a non-roster short reliever such as Brian Falkenborg, or both.
It's not the worst problem to have.
"You hoped it would be complicated," La Russa said. "We're going to have some decisions to make, which is good."
Five men look set -- though La Russa hesitates to say anyone but Jason Isringhausen and Braden Looper is actually assured of a job. Brad Thompson is an excellent bet to join those two on the right side, and lefties Ricardo Rincon and Randy Flores look set as well.
Beyond that, several hurlers have pitched their way into contention. And while it would be far too strong to say that Nelson has pitched his way out -- he hasn't given up a run, after all -- the veteran has found himself in more of a dogfight than might have been anticipated.
"I think one of the issues is that the competition around him has gotten stiff," La Russa said. "There are several guys who are throwing the ball well. It's not like he's not facing competition."
Falkenborg, 28, and Hancock, 27, have been two of the bigger surprises in camp. Neither has been touched for a run. Falkenborg caught the eyes of La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan from the beginning of drills. Hancock was on their radar even before that, since he pitched well against the Cardinals as a member of the Reds last year.
"His stock has been up," La Russa said of Hancock. "He just kept it where it was. He's one of the guys I'm talking about. He's thrown the ball well, so there's not a lot of room to maneuver there for Jeff. He's going to have to be as impressive as he can be."
Rincon's debut: More than a month after camp started, Rincon made his first game appearance in a Cardinals uniform. Rincon pitched a perfect seventh inning on Sunday, retiring the Braves' Pete Orr, Todd Pratt and Michael Ryan in order.
Rincon arrived in camp late due to work visa problems, then promptly headed out to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. He returned to camp on Friday, worked out Saturday and pitched on Sunday.
"He went 2-0 twice, but got outs," said La Russa. "It's just good to get back to him."
Rincon, 35, is pleased to be back in the National League after seven seasons in the AL. He began his career with the Pirates.
"I like it here," he said. "I'm comfortable here."
Bigbie update: Larry Bigbie will be held out of the lineup until at least Wednesday as he recuperates from tendinitis in his left Achilles tendon. Bigbie underwent acupuncture treatment on Sunday and reports that he is steadily feeling better.
"Ever so close," he said. "With an off-day [on Tuesday], we'll just look toward Wednesday."
Bigbie hasn't played since Thursday. His 26 at-bats are fewer than any of his competitors for outfield playing time -- So Taguchi (44), John Gall (43), Skip Schumaker (41) and John Rodriguez (34).
Mulder on the back fields: Fans hoping to get an up-close look at Mark Mulder on the mound will have quite an opportunity on Monday. Mulder will pitch for the Cardinals Triple-A club in a Minor League game on one of the back fields at the Roger Dean Stadium complex.
That's to allow Reyes to get an additional start in a big-league game as he competes for the fifth-starter spot. Gary Bennett will catch Mulder in the Minor League contest, while Yadier Molina works with Reyes.
Bits and pieces: Gall cracked a three-run homer on the only pitch he saw Sunday. ... Cardinals pitchers have allowed eight home runs this spring, five fewer than any other team in baseball. ... St. Louis' 38 walks allowed are also the fewest by a wide margin (San Diego, 46).
Quotable: "I couldn't watch them do it." -- Bigbie, on his acupuncture treatment
Weather report: It will be a little bit warmer on Monday. The forecast calls for a high of 83 degrees in Jupiter, with no clouds, no rain and a healthy wind. Wear sunscreen.
Source: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/
JUPITER, Fla. -- Sorting out his 2006 bullpen has proved to be more complex than Cardinals manager Tony La Russa might have expected. The thing is, complex is good.
Early forecasts had Jeff Nelson and the loser of the fifth-starter derby filling out the last two spots in the relief corps. However, strong showings by a number of competing pitchers have changed the equation dramatically.
The Cardinals could go with three left-handers in the 'pen. They could move a starter like Anthony Reyes or Adam Wainwright to the bullpen for long relief. They could take a non-roster long man in the form of Josh Hancock, a non-roster short reliever such as Brian Falkenborg, or both.
It's not the worst problem to have.
"You hoped it would be complicated," La Russa said. "We're going to have some decisions to make, which is good."
Five men look set -- though La Russa hesitates to say anyone but Jason Isringhausen and Braden Looper is actually assured of a job. Brad Thompson is an excellent bet to join those two on the right side, and lefties Ricardo Rincon and Randy Flores look set as well.
Beyond that, several hurlers have pitched their way into contention. And while it would be far too strong to say that Nelson has pitched his way out -- he hasn't given up a run, after all -- the veteran has found himself in more of a dogfight than might have been anticipated.
"I think one of the issues is that the competition around him has gotten stiff," La Russa said. "There are several guys who are throwing the ball well. It's not like he's not facing competition."
Falkenborg, 28, and Hancock, 27, have been two of the bigger surprises in camp. Neither has been touched for a run. Falkenborg caught the eyes of La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan from the beginning of drills. Hancock was on their radar even before that, since he pitched well against the Cardinals as a member of the Reds last year.
"His stock has been up," La Russa said of Hancock. "He just kept it where it was. He's one of the guys I'm talking about. He's thrown the ball well, so there's not a lot of room to maneuver there for Jeff. He's going to have to be as impressive as he can be."
Rincon's debut: More than a month after camp started, Rincon made his first game appearance in a Cardinals uniform. Rincon pitched a perfect seventh inning on Sunday, retiring the Braves' Pete Orr, Todd Pratt and Michael Ryan in order.
Rincon arrived in camp late due to work visa problems, then promptly headed out to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. He returned to camp on Friday, worked out Saturday and pitched on Sunday.
"He went 2-0 twice, but got outs," said La Russa. "It's just good to get back to him."
Rincon, 35, is pleased to be back in the National League after seven seasons in the AL. He began his career with the Pirates.
"I like it here," he said. "I'm comfortable here."
Bigbie update: Larry Bigbie will be held out of the lineup until at least Wednesday as he recuperates from tendinitis in his left Achilles tendon. Bigbie underwent acupuncture treatment on Sunday and reports that he is steadily feeling better.
"Ever so close," he said. "With an off-day [on Tuesday], we'll just look toward Wednesday."
Bigbie hasn't played since Thursday. His 26 at-bats are fewer than any of his competitors for outfield playing time -- So Taguchi (44), John Gall (43), Skip Schumaker (41) and John Rodriguez (34).
Mulder on the back fields: Fans hoping to get an up-close look at Mark Mulder on the mound will have quite an opportunity on Monday. Mulder will pitch for the Cardinals Triple-A club in a Minor League game on one of the back fields at the Roger Dean Stadium complex.
That's to allow Reyes to get an additional start in a big-league game as he competes for the fifth-starter spot. Gary Bennett will catch Mulder in the Minor League contest, while Yadier Molina works with Reyes.
Bits and pieces: Gall cracked a three-run homer on the only pitch he saw Sunday. ... Cardinals pitchers have allowed eight home runs this spring, five fewer than any other team in baseball. ... St. Louis' 38 walks allowed are also the fewest by a wide margin (San Diego, 46).
Quotable: "I couldn't watch them do it." -- Bigbie, on his acupuncture treatment
Weather report: It will be a little bit warmer on Monday. The forecast calls for a high of 83 degrees in Jupiter, with no clouds, no rain and a healthy wind. Wear sunscreen.
Source: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/
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