Covering MLB with a focus on the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals
Now that St. Louis Cardinals management has decided which pitcher it wants to begin the season in the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation, its focus can shift to a similar dilemma that exists for the last spot in the bullpen.
The St. Louis Cardinals, who have found themselves actively involved in the market for shortstops around the league over the last few seasons, suddenly find themselves with a player to offer to the market.
Jason Motte tore a ligament in his right elbow during spring training in 2013 and had Tommy John surgery to fix it, but that operation requires about a full year of rehab before a pitcher can return to the mound in a Major League Baseball game.
Spring training offers a preview of what the 2014 season holds for the teams around Major League Baseball. It also gives a glimpse of the future of the organizations as prospects take the field and show off their talents in front of the big league coaching staffs.
St. Louis Cardinals righthanded starting pitcher Shelby Miller had to beat out Joe Kelly for the fifth and final spot in the rotation through somewhat of a spring training-long duel between the two pitchers in 2013, and Kelly faces a similar challenge that could produce a similar result in 2014.
St. Louis Cardinals officials said they wanted to make a “big splash” in the market for Cuban baseball players when they signed infielder Aledmys Diaz on Sunday, but their first signing might turn out to simply be a drop in the proverbial bucket.
The Royals were close, but not close enough.
ST. LOUIS – September 10, 2013 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced details regarding the process for fans to purchase postseason tickets.
The St. Louis Cardinals have played as tough of a schedule as any team in Major League Baseball this season.
With their playoff hopes still alive, the Royals minor league call-ups play meaningful games in September.
