NEWSMAGAZINENETWORK.COM
CARDINALS SALUTE 2011
MARCH 23, 2011 MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE
17
2 0 1 1 S t . L o u i s C a r d i nals
Season preview The Cardinals offseason has been focused on Adam Wainwright’s elbow and Albert Pujols’ contract, but now it is time to focus on the play between the white lines. Following is the Newsmagazine Network’s predictions for how the Cardinals’ will fare in 2011. Starting Pitchers About one month ago, it felt like the starting rotation for the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals was the only part of the team that was completely solidified. It was the undisputed strength of the team. Then, Adam Wainwright felt some stiffness in his throwing arm. Things definitely seem a bit more unsettled now, but all is not lost with the rotation. Pitching Coach Dave Duncan thrives when given a project to work on, and this year’s project seems destined to be transitioning Kyle McClellan from the bullpen to the role of No. 5 starter. McClellan is a sinkerball specialist, which Duncan loves, and which tends to protect a pitcher from giving up large chunks of runs. The best any team hopes for from this spot in the rotation is an innings-eater who keeps the team in games. McClellan should fit that bill. At the top of the rotation, in the person of Chris Carpenter, stands perhaps the fiercest competitor this town has seen since the great Bob Gibson. Carp should be especially motivated this year considering the injury to his friend and co-ace of the staff Wainwright. It is safe to expect great things from the veteran Carpenter this year. Jake Westbrook should shore up the middle of the rotation. He pitched very well after joining the Redbirds last year, and should benefit even more from a full season in the more pitcher-friendly National League. Jaime Garcia and Kyle Lohse will be as good as their health allows them to be this year. Garcia exploded onto the scene in 2010 and now just needs to continue getting stronger and adjusting to the rigors of a major league season. Lohse seems as healthy as he has been since 2009, when he enjoyed a very effective season. The Cardinals made a big commitment to Lohse with a rare four-year contract for a pitcher, and this is the year they really need that investment to pay off. UPI Photo
Predictions: Chris Carpenter Jake Westbrook Jaime Garcia Kyle Lohse Kyle McClellan
– 20 wins, 2.80 ERA – 15 wins, 3.30 ERA – 15 wins, 3.30 ERA – 14 wins, 3.80 ERA – 12 wins, 4.10 ERA
Bullpen Should Kyle McClellan indeed move into the starting rotation, the effect on the bullpen will be dramatic. Closer Ryan Franklin returns this year to consistently stop the hearts of Cardinals fans, but he does end up getting the job done. Converted catcher Jason Motte looks to build on an improved 2010 performance, where he found the consistency he had lacked early on. Lefty Trever Miller was a definite bright spot for the 2010 squad and seems to be ageless. New addition Brian Tallet is much more of a question mark. Tallet gave up a whole bunch of home runs last year as a spot starter and long reliever. The Redbirds hope that his new role as a lefty specialist will better fit his talents. There are likely only two spots open, and most signs point to veteran Miguel Batista becoming the long reliever and Fernando Salas assuming a middle relief position. Salas impressed in limited appearances with the big club last year, and Batista is a hugely versatile veteran. Predictions: Ryan Franklin Jason Motte Mitchell Boggs Trever Miller Brian Tallet Fernando Salas Miguel Batista
– 30 saves, 3.00 ERA – 3.00 ERA – 3.50 ERA – 2.50 ERA – 3.50 ERA – 4.00 ERA – 4.50 ERA