News: For now, the Cardinals' top candidates to close are right-handers Chris Perez and Jason Motte, both coming off their rookie seasons. Perez had seven saves in 11 chances last year after taking over for Jason Isringhausen, but manager Tony La Russa never anointed him as the closer and he'd rather not have to settle on either of the kids. "I refuse to think about it until we get down there and see what we've got," La Russa said. "That's a big responsibility and you don't want to put it on somebody unless they're ready to do it. The smartest thing would be to get somebody that we can mix in there and take a little pressure off the young guys."
Analysis: La Russa also talked about potentially using former Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter as closer if it will help him bounce back quicker from two elbow surgeries. Based on La Russa's comments, we can't feel particularly optimistic about either Perez or Motte closing going into the season. The Cardinals will likely try to acquire a veteran arm, but until they do, consider the two young relievers -- particularly Perez -- sleepers on Draft Day
Cardinals' flamethrower Jason Motte picked up another hold on Wednesday while working the eighth inning in the Cardinals 4-2 win over Arizona.The rookie has now worked nine innings and recorded 15 strikeouts against just one walk. His ERA stands at 1.00 and he figures to be a part of the Cardinals bullpen plans for 2009.
Robert Falkoff, of MLB.com, reports St. Louis Cardinals RP Jason Motte gave up his first run in nine outings Tuesday, Sept. 23.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss and Derrick Goold report St. Louis Cardinals RP Jason Motte has allowed just three hits and a walk in seven scoreless innings this season. He has struck out 12 batters in that time.
News: Cardinals RP Jason Motte came in Thursday with two outs in the ninth against the Reds to earn his first career save.
Analysis: Motte is an elite relief prospect, but he is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men down the stretch. If the Cardinals go with someone on staff as the closer in spring 2009, it would likely be Chris Perez as the first choice at this point
None.
Numbers in parenthesis for each team indicates total runs scored that game. Numbers next to each pitcher indicates earned runs.
The run differential is based on total runs each team scored when Jason Motte has a decision. (i.e. win/loss) Similarly, the opposing pitcher listed also received a decision.
No comments have been added yet. Let your voice be heard and add one!
Scoring
Differential Breakdown
Scoring Graph
Comments
Top
