Covering MLB with a focus on the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals
The only major “competition” that they had taking place in camp this year came to an end Sunday, when Joe Kelly was the fifth starter and Carlos Martinez was sent back to the bullpen. And no better outcome could be hoped for in the immediate picture.
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.
Hochevar’s loss in 2014 will hurt him more than the team.
The St. Louis Cardinals won just twice in the opening week of their 2014 spring training exhibition schedule, but wins and losses matter little in spring training, and the Cardinals, with a 2-4-2 record, have excelled in the aspects of camp that truly matter.
The St. Louis Cardinals have starting pitcher Jake Westbrook to thank for helping them win the National League Central Division this season and make the playoffs in each of the last three years, but an attempt to recognize him for those contributions could cost them dearly in October.
Lynn’s spot in the rotation should be safe regardless of his struggles.
Let’s just appreciate the greatness we have had the privilege of watching for the past 13 seasons. There will be plenty of time to debate Ichiro’s place in history after he has retired.
St. Louis Cardinals mark start of playoff push in 14-inning win against Pittsburgh Pirates
The Kansas City Royals continued their winning ways on Thursday night, getting a great performance from Bruce Chen.
Right-handed rookie starting pitcher Shelby Miller won the fifth spot in the rotation in spring training and pitched brilliantly for much of the first half of the season, but the 22-year-old’s performance began to drop in mid-June.
