While Juan Uribe has been limited to 12 Spring at bats due to visa issues, dark horse for the Opening Day third base job Giovanny Urshela has taken full advantage of the extra playing time. Uribe seemed to be a shoe-in for the every day third base job in April, but Urshela has made it a very difficult choice. In 16 games and 36 at bats, Urshela has cranked five homeruns while sporting a .306 batting average and driving in 12. While he is still likely to start the year in AAA, he has not made it an easy choice for the Indians management no matter how you slice it.
Going into Spring Training, Cleveland knew they would have a very tough outfield battle on their hands, but they didn't know it was going to be as tough as it has been. While they expected Brantley to miss at least the first month and possibly the second of the regular season, and expected Abraham Almonte to be the every day Center Fielder, a lot has changed. Many also felt that the competition that they brought in to fill the Outfield holes was not enough, and somehow even that has changed. After Almonte got suspended for 80 games, the need for Outfield looked like it could destroy the Indians season all together. However, not only does it appear as if Brantley may be back for the April 4th opener, but they have a few outfielders who have been very impressive this Spring. The number one Outfielder who has been impressive, is red hot Tyler Naquin. Naquin came into Spring Training as somebody with an outside shot of making the club, and it was more than likely he would make his way onto the roster before the season ended but not on Opening Day. Again, a lot has changed. Naquin has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball this Spring, as evidenced by his two mammoth homeruns today, and his .447 batting average. This is finally the big break Naquin has been waiting for, considering he has spent the past four seasons in the Cleveland farm system being held back by nagging injuries. However, Naquin has not been the only outfielder to impress Cleveland this Spring, and he still has plenty of competition fighting for a spot. 30 year old Joey Butler, who has a nice season in Tampa Bay last year, has done well in Spring action despite his .233 batting average. While Butler hasn't been in the headlines as much as some other outfielders, he reminded Cleveland he is still around with a grand slam last Friday. Finally, the late arrival who is likely to land a spot, veteran Marlon Byrd. Byrd has been less than impressive on defense thus far, but is 3-8 with the bat and has a good track record. It will be a tough decision for Cleveland to make, and Naquin, Butler, and Byrd among others have not made it easy, but Indian fans can feel a lot better about their outfield situation.
While some criticized the signing of veteran 1B/DH Mike Napoli, there were some who thought it would turn out as it has early in the Spring. Not only does Napoli appear to be healthier than he has been in a while and ready to bounce-back in 2016, he has become a big leader for a young Indian clubhouse. Napoli has quietly hit .455 with three homeruns and 12 RBI this Spring, and while we may not see the 2011 30 HR Napoli this year, we can expect good things.
The battle for the fifth rotation spot is neck-and-neck between Josh Tomlin and Cody Anderson, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out. After optioning T.J. House to AAA Columbus, Terry Francona stated that he would like to use Tomlin as both a starter and reliever in April. However both Tomlin and Anderson were very good in small sample sizes last season, and have had somewhat rocky Spring camps. It would be very surprising to see both Tomlin and Anderson on the Opening Day roster, and it is something to watch very closely for the rest of the Spring. While the top four (Kluber, Carasco, Salazar, Bauer) seemed to be locked up, the fifth is still very much in question.
Since it looks as if Brantley is likely to be back on Opening Day, here is what I think the Opening Day lineup could look like. (Cleveland opens against Boston, while it has not been made official it is more than likely Price will start for Boston, this lineup is based off of the fact that he is a lefty)
1 Rajai Davis - CF
2 Francisco Lindor - SS
3 Michael Brantley - LF
4 Mike Napoli - 1B
5 Carlos Santana - DH
6 Jason Kipnis - 2B
7 Marlon Byrd - RF
8 Yan Gomes - C
9 Juan Uribe - 3B
If a righty were to start it might look something like this
1 Jason Kipnis - 2B
2 Francisco Lindor - SS
3 Michael Brantley - LF
4 Carlos Santana - DH
5 Mike Napoli - 1B
6 Yan Gomes - C
7 Lonnie Chisenhall - RF
8 Juan Uribe - 3B
9 Rajai Davis - CF
Showing posts with label Spring training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring training. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Brave New World Part I: Position Players
With the first week of Spring Training winding down, we've gotten a look at some of the exciting future stars of the organization. Sean Newcomb, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and Aaron Blair are just some of the early looks we've gotten (Including a historic debut for Mallex Smith), but those plot lines will be addressed next week, when we have more time to see these prospects. For now, we'll do what Braves fans do best right now... Day Dream.
For the first of this two part series, we'll look at the starting position players that could reasonably be on the 2018 opening day roster. Obviously lots can happen, and i've given a lot of preference to players currently in the Braves system (Catcher being the only out of house acquisition), and with such an active front office, most of this will probably be wrong. But hey, guy can dream right?
Catcher - Jonathon Lucroy: This would not be the first time the all-star catcher had been tied to Atlanta, but this time an exchange seems more possible. The difference now is that the Brewers have conceded they are in rebuild mode, and Lucroy has stated he wants to play for a contender. He will have many suitors, but the Braves could offer the most competitive minor league package to a team who is very light on pitching in the farm system.
First Base - Freddie Freeman. I don't think anything more needs to be said on this topic. He's going to be the 1st baseman for the forseeable future.
Second Base - Ozzie Albies: Timing is an advantage for Albies, because he will have another year in the minors to learn a new position, while Dansby Swanson secures his own spot at shortstop. His plus contact skills but lack of punch in the bat profiles better at 2nd anyway. Either way, expect plus defense up the middle no matter which player is on which side of the bag.
Shortstop - Dansby Swanson: The Marietta, GA native will assume the field general position either late 2016 or early 2017, and will also take up the center mantle of the franchise. His plus contact, gap power, formidable speed and soft hands in the field gives him all the tools to be a Jeter for the next generation.
Third Base - Hector Olivera: It is reasonable to think that 2018 will see the (then mid 30's) Cuban move back to his home position at the hot corner. He should provide a strong presence towards the bottom of a speed heavy lineup, with lots of RBI opportunities. His defense will need to stay at least serviceable to avoid a platoon situation, and that will probably be the most intriguing factor here. It is believed with some of the mechanical adjustments he has made (and will continue to make) are positive changes to adjust to MLB pitching.
Outfield: Nick Markakis, Mallex Smith, Braxton Davidson: The biggest reach here is Davidson, while he has shown some promise (power, defense), he still has a lot to work on (plate discipline, bat speed) before reaching the show. Since we're in my daydream though, let's just say that he finds his way up and into left field. Markakis's veteran leadership is key, and while he will be heading to the end of his career (by 2018), he will still provide a strong bottom of the order bat and good defense in right (although one could see him and Davidson switching spots). Smith provides a true leadoff hitter with blazing speed and smart base running instincts, setting the table for a contact and speed heavy lineup.
A lineup could look something like this..
1. Mallex Smith
2. Ozzie Albies
3. Dansby Swanson
4. Freddie Freeman
5. Jonathon Lucroy
6. Hector Olivera
7. Braxton Davidson
8. Nick Markakis
Next Week... We look at the pitchers!
For the first of this two part series, we'll look at the starting position players that could reasonably be on the 2018 opening day roster. Obviously lots can happen, and i've given a lot of preference to players currently in the Braves system (Catcher being the only out of house acquisition), and with such an active front office, most of this will probably be wrong. But hey, guy can dream right?
Catcher - Jonathon Lucroy: This would not be the first time the all-star catcher had been tied to Atlanta, but this time an exchange seems more possible. The difference now is that the Brewers have conceded they are in rebuild mode, and Lucroy has stated he wants to play for a contender. He will have many suitors, but the Braves could offer the most competitive minor league package to a team who is very light on pitching in the farm system.
First Base - Freddie Freeman. I don't think anything more needs to be said on this topic. He's going to be the 1st baseman for the forseeable future.
Second Base - Ozzie Albies: Timing is an advantage for Albies, because he will have another year in the minors to learn a new position, while Dansby Swanson secures his own spot at shortstop. His plus contact skills but lack of punch in the bat profiles better at 2nd anyway. Either way, expect plus defense up the middle no matter which player is on which side of the bag.
Shortstop - Dansby Swanson: The Marietta, GA native will assume the field general position either late 2016 or early 2017, and will also take up the center mantle of the franchise. His plus contact, gap power, formidable speed and soft hands in the field gives him all the tools to be a Jeter for the next generation.
Third Base - Hector Olivera: It is reasonable to think that 2018 will see the (then mid 30's) Cuban move back to his home position at the hot corner. He should provide a strong presence towards the bottom of a speed heavy lineup, with lots of RBI opportunities. His defense will need to stay at least serviceable to avoid a platoon situation, and that will probably be the most intriguing factor here. It is believed with some of the mechanical adjustments he has made (and will continue to make) are positive changes to adjust to MLB pitching.
Outfield: Nick Markakis, Mallex Smith, Braxton Davidson: The biggest reach here is Davidson, while he has shown some promise (power, defense), he still has a lot to work on (plate discipline, bat speed) before reaching the show. Since we're in my daydream though, let's just say that he finds his way up and into left field. Markakis's veteran leadership is key, and while he will be heading to the end of his career (by 2018), he will still provide a strong bottom of the order bat and good defense in right (although one could see him and Davidson switching spots). Smith provides a true leadoff hitter with blazing speed and smart base running instincts, setting the table for a contact and speed heavy lineup.
A lineup could look something like this..
1. Mallex Smith
2. Ozzie Albies
3. Dansby Swanson
4. Freddie Freeman
5. Jonathon Lucroy
6. Hector Olivera
7. Braxton Davidson
8. Nick Markakis
Next Week... We look at the pitchers!
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Marwin Gonzalez: The most flexible player on the Houston Astros
By: Jordan Smith
Marwin Gonzalez is perhaps the most versatile situation player that the Houston Astros have had within the past 5 years. He can play practically any position on the field and do it with ease (of course not Catcher or Pitcher).
Marwin ended up starting in 86 games last season, playing every position in the infield except for catcher and pitcher and also played some left field as well. Not only all of that, but the 26 year old had a career year this year, batting .279 with 18 doubles, 12 home runs, and 34 RBI's in the 120 games he played in 2015. He also posted a .321 batting average in the final 70 games he played in the 2015 season.
Here's what A.J. Hinch, the Houston Astros manager, had to say about Mr. Versatile:
"I don't mind calling him an everyday-type player," Hinch said. "Obviously, he gets the 300 or 400 at-bats, which is below the everyday threshold, but he's under everyday consideration. For a manager to have that type of player creates a lot of options. I can keep guys fresh, I can move guys around, I can play matchups. He does it at a high level. Being able to wear the glove versus being able to be good at it is very different." (quote courtesy of MLB.com)
Marwin is a player that the Houston Astros must keep in order to help with the starting line-up getting rested up for the long season and to also help the young players and the rookies that get called up in order to not only mentor them but to also help with the transition to the Big Leagues.
What do yall think about Marwin Gonzalez and his impact on the Houston Astros? Leave a comment below and be sure to find me on Google+ at Houston Sports Beat. Also be sure to click the links below in order to take a look at my other work that I have going on right now. Thanks for reading.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
The Hot-Lanta Corner, Third base in Braves Camp
On a rebuilding baseball team, there is usually no shortage of positional battles when teams report to Spring Training. The Braves have a few of their own, granted not with the marquee names a fan would want, but it certainly does add a new level of interest to the games. The most interesting battle on the diamond in Atlanta is at third base, where a three, or even possibly four way battle for the starting job will be taking place. Here's a look at the four contenders.
Adonis Garcia:
He impressed with his power last year (10HR in 191 ABs), although his defense leaves lots to be desired and he doesn't have much of any speed to speak of. The Cuban defector (entering his age 31 season) is probably the favorite to win the job, as the lineup desperately needs some sort of power in the middle of the lineup to protect Freddie Freeman, but he will have to show his glove is serviceable enough to keep pace.
Gordon Beckham:
The Georgia native and former 1st round pick (2008) has experienced more downs than ups in his career, but for his sake, here's to hoping a trip home will prove to bring some life into his bat (he's never hit over .270, and that was his rookie year). He's an average fielder, so that will help him against the better hitting competitors for the job, but he is also popping up as a possibility for 2nd base as well, so he really will be someone to watch.
Hector Olivera:
As of now, he is slated as the starting LF for the team, although reports have come out of Braves camp that he if they can't confidently put someone else at the hot corner, Olivera could end up back where he started. He has shown strong glove work but his side arm throwing style (think Ryan Zimmerman) is cause for concern. He has the strongest offensive potential of any of the other players competing for the spot, but he will have to deliver this year, as disappointing results have already caused management to tug on his leash just a little bit.
Kelly Johnson:
Originally the 2nd baseman for the infamous "Baby Braves" in 2005, Johnson now finds himself locked in a battle for playing time at 3rd. He has found himself usually put in a platoon role (he only saw 24ABs against lefties last year, vs 158 against righties), and if he were to get playing time, there's no reason to think that would not continue, especially with other platoon-worthy players competing for a spot (Garcia in particular). He's a solid defender, so that will only help his case for a platoon.
Overall, it seems like we've got a mix of players here, but the underlying theme is common between these four: They are all over 30, have major holes in their game, and are all trying to find a way to prove they don't just have something left in the tank, that they can provide a presence on a team that desperately needs one.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Three Biggest Rangers Questions Ahead of Spring Training
Photography Credit: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
It’s that time of year again. Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in Surprise, Arizona today. Ahead of the beginning of Spring Training I thought I’d preview the biggest concerns that the Rangers will have attempting to defend their 2015 AL West championship this season.
1. Injuries
Like seemingly every season, injuries are going to be a major area of concern for the Rangers. Yu Darvish will be coming off the DL in late May or Early June, but don’t expect him to be the Ace that we’ve come to know and love right off the bat. Yu seems to think he is getting close to full strength at this time, but that’s pretty typical rhetoric from a professional athlete. The Ranger’s coaching staff isn’t going to rush things with Yu. Hopefully, he can be a solid #2 behind Cole Hamels while inching toward full strength.
Josh Hamilton is a constant injury concern. At this point, I think the Rangers will be happy if they can have him playing half of the games this season. Look for a possible platoon situation with right-handers Justin Ruggiano and Ryan Rua and uncertainty at the left field position once again. The Rangers haven’t given any indication that Joey Gallo will be experimenting in left field again, but you never know. Nomar Mazara is always a name to look out for, but the team may not want to rush him like they did Joey Gallo last season.
2. An Aging Middle of the Line-up
Another big area of concern is going to be another year old duo of Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre. Adrian is turning 37 in April and Prince will be 32 in May. Last year, Prince seemed to be aging very gracefully. He replaced his power bat for a higher batting average and led the team in runs handedly over the season. However, Prince himself admitted that he slowed down late into late season and into the playoffs. Part of this has to be due to his size, but getting into shape for Spring Training and beyond gets tougher the older you get. I expect Prince to have a similar season as last year, hitting for average rather than power once again.
Beltre, on the other hand, seems to be a freak of nature. He just appears to be one of the players like Dirk and Tim Duncan who, while slowing down with age, can still be a star play on their respective teams into their late 30’s. I anticipate another productive season out of Beltre and perhaps one more after that. A contract extension certainly wouldn’t be a foolish move on the Ranger’s part as you await Joey Gallo’s development.
3. New Coaching Staff
This is possibly the biggest question heading into the season. Turning over both your hitting and pitching coach is a big step for any team. Honestly, I’m not as concerned about the hitting coach change. Anthony Iapoce appears to be the real deal and many of us were ready to be done with Dave Magadan at the beginning of last season. Magadan did seem to help improve certain Rangers hitters over the course of the season, but it will be intriguing to see where a new hitting philosophy leads the team.
Maddux, of course, is a big loss. He was a fan favorite with his calming demeanor and patented one handed shoulder rub. To be honest, I don’t know much about new pitching coach Doug Brocail. From what I’ve heard, he’s more of a motivational guy than the calming presence you got from Maddux. It will be interesting to see how the pitching staff responds to him. The Rangers also promoted from within with new bullpen coach Brad Holman. Jon Daniels has built excellent coaching depth down through the minors and Holman was no exception as pitching coach at AAA Round Rock. I’m expecting the bullpen to take another step forward this season.
Let me know what you think!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Houston Astros' 2016 Rotation
By: Jordan Smith
The Houston Astros' 2016 Pitching situation is one that all teams should be jealous of. Why exactly do you think I am saying this? This is because the Houston Astros by far have the best Starting Rotation and Bullpen in all of Major League Baseball.
The Astros' Starting Rotation consists of 8 pitchers who all should and deserve a spot in the rotation. The only problem is that there are 5 spots in the Rotation. So, who gets those 5 spots you ask? Here's what the Rotation looks like right now.
Starting Rotation:
1. Dallas Keuchel
2. Collin McHugh
3. Doug Fister
4. Lance McCullers
5. Mike Fiers, Brad Peacock, Wandy Rodriguez, Scott Feldman
That number 5 spot has four pitchers fighting for the last spot in the rotation. That is a pretty healthy competition right there if you ask me. In my opinion, Mike Fiers will most likely win the last spot in the Starting 5 to make it the most prolific starting rotation in all of Baseball. Wandy and Scott will most likely be sent to the bullpen where they will be long relievers and Brad Peacock will most likely be sent to Triple A after Spring Training.
What do yall think the Starting Rotation for the Houston Astros is going to look like? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Also, be sure to check out my website and Sports Blog by clicking the links below. Thanks for Reading.
Houston Sports Beat
My Website (Click my name at the top of the post)
What do yall think the Starting Rotation for the Houston Astros is going to look like? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Also, be sure to check out my website and Sports Blog by clicking the links below. Thanks for Reading.
Houston Sports Beat
My Website (Click my name at the top of the post)
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Under the Surface... Three Names you should Know at Braves Spring Training (You May Not have Heard About)
As the days before baseball dwindle down, front offices are shifting their focus from what they want to what they have. Depth charts start to become a little more clear, rotations start to gel into place, and the ink begins to dry on recently signed free agent contracts.
That doesn't make things any easier though, especially in Atlanta.
If you thought that Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, or Sean Newcomb aren't getting enough press coverage, then I would invite you to check that your internet connection didn't stop working around New Years. It has become apparent to those who follow the team that these are the cornerstones (among others) of a franchise that is shifting gears towards a new phase of the grand rebuilding, and will be for some time in the future. There are many names, however, that are not getting the attention that might be warranted, and it would only be fair to point them out...
Jholys Chacin:
If I told you that we had a pitcher that was at one point the ace of the Colorado Rockies, had a decent strikeout rate, and a career ERA under 4, despite pitching his entire career in Coors Field, that might actually be impressive. Except it's Jholys Chacin, and for some reason, THAT is why he's been completely overlooked as a pitcher primed for a comeback. There is a history of injuries, no doubt about it, and his ERA and FIP don't exactly flatter each other (3.76/4.01), one has to take in to account that the level of competition this guy has faced in the past, was far elevated over what he could see in the NL East. The sinkerball pitcher will likely start the year in AAA, but received an invite to play with the big boys this spring, I would look for him to make a serious run at joining the rotation if not right away, then early on if Williams Perez or Bud Norris struggle.
Rio Ruiz:
This could be an interesting fork in the road for Rio, once a high ranking prospect in a barren farm system, he now is struggling to find his footing, and at possibly the worst time. With the fresh injection of highly talented, "destined for the show" prospects flooding the Braves farm system, Rio's lack of offense and sub par defense over the past year (plus) have been accentuated, and he will have to prove that he can hit for an average higher than .233 against big league arms, and make himself a viable option for the big league club. A strong spring could eventually mean a bench or corner utility spot for him. Anything less, could stamp him for a career in the minors.
Aaron Blair:
Blair has gotten some press that the previous two haven't, but with good reason. As part of the infamous Shelby Miller deal, Blair brings MLB ready talent to the team. There is still a good chance that he starts the year in AAA Gwinnett, but of anyone on the invitees list (even the big names), he has the greatest probability of cracking the big league roster. He doesn't wow with Newcomb like velocity or Toussaint break on his curve, but he is a solid pitcher with plus control and has little else to prove in the Minor Leagues anymore.
There are many names to watch this year, and for years to come in the Braves system, both on the mound and at the plate, so we continue to watch the maturation of what Keith Law of ESPN ranked as the best farm system in MLB, so as time goes on, we will keep our eyes towards the future, and with a system as deep as this, it's not just the names that make the papers that will one day make a difference in Cobb County.
That doesn't make things any easier though, especially in Atlanta.
If you thought that Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, or Sean Newcomb aren't getting enough press coverage, then I would invite you to check that your internet connection didn't stop working around New Years. It has become apparent to those who follow the team that these are the cornerstones (among others) of a franchise that is shifting gears towards a new phase of the grand rebuilding, and will be for some time in the future. There are many names, however, that are not getting the attention that might be warranted, and it would only be fair to point them out...
Jholys Chacin:
If I told you that we had a pitcher that was at one point the ace of the Colorado Rockies, had a decent strikeout rate, and a career ERA under 4, despite pitching his entire career in Coors Field, that might actually be impressive. Except it's Jholys Chacin, and for some reason, THAT is why he's been completely overlooked as a pitcher primed for a comeback. There is a history of injuries, no doubt about it, and his ERA and FIP don't exactly flatter each other (3.76/4.01), one has to take in to account that the level of competition this guy has faced in the past, was far elevated over what he could see in the NL East. The sinkerball pitcher will likely start the year in AAA, but received an invite to play with the big boys this spring, I would look for him to make a serious run at joining the rotation if not right away, then early on if Williams Perez or Bud Norris struggle.
Rio Ruiz:
This could be an interesting fork in the road for Rio, once a high ranking prospect in a barren farm system, he now is struggling to find his footing, and at possibly the worst time. With the fresh injection of highly talented, "destined for the show" prospects flooding the Braves farm system, Rio's lack of offense and sub par defense over the past year (plus) have been accentuated, and he will have to prove that he can hit for an average higher than .233 against big league arms, and make himself a viable option for the big league club. A strong spring could eventually mean a bench or corner utility spot for him. Anything less, could stamp him for a career in the minors.
Aaron Blair:
Blair has gotten some press that the previous two haven't, but with good reason. As part of the infamous Shelby Miller deal, Blair brings MLB ready talent to the team. There is still a good chance that he starts the year in AAA Gwinnett, but of anyone on the invitees list (even the big names), he has the greatest probability of cracking the big league roster. He doesn't wow with Newcomb like velocity or Toussaint break on his curve, but he is a solid pitcher with plus control and has little else to prove in the Minor Leagues anymore.
There are many names to watch this year, and for years to come in the Braves system, both on the mound and at the plate, so we continue to watch the maturation of what Keith Law of ESPN ranked as the best farm system in MLB, so as time goes on, we will keep our eyes towards the future, and with a system as deep as this, it's not just the names that make the papers that will one day make a difference in Cobb County.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Cardinals Rookie Marco Gonzales Sets Sights For A Brighter 2016
St. Louis Cardinals rookie LHP Marco Gonzales, #1 draft pick, 19th round in 2013 June Amateur Draft from Gonzaga University. His career between the minors and the majors has been a roller-coaster for the young prospect.
Almost a year after being drafted, pitching at the Double-A level in Springfield in 2014, 2.33 ERA with 46 SO in 34.2 innings pitched. June 24th, he was called up to the majors to join the Cardinals
at Coors Stadium to start against the Colorado Rockies. Starter Jaime Garcia had gone down with yet another shoulder issue. Gonzales traveled to Denver for the game on June 25.
Being a native of nearby Fort Collins, CO, family and friends were in attendance for his debut. As
we have seen from rookies, his first outing was not a sharp as he wanted to be. He did go five innings, but gave up 1 HR/5 ER/2 BB/3 SO. With the Cardinals winning the game, he came away with a no decision for his first major league appearance.
He made two more starts, with little improvement and was sent back down to the minors to refine
and regroup.
When called back to St. Louis, against the Chicago Cubs; and, his second start in Busch Stadium,
we saw definite improvement with a 1.50 ERA going six innings, only allowing three hits and one earned run. He remained with the Cardinals and over the course of September, being placed in the bullpen, he held a 2.45 ERA bringing his high 9.00 of June, down to a 4.15 by the close of his
short season.
He got the nod for postseason, remaining in the bullpen and proved to be very effective in his first
5.1 innings pitched - only allowed three hits, three earned runs, issued one walk, and had four strikeouts. It was his last 0.2 inning that his game got away from him against the San Francisco Giants during the World Series. He allowed only one hit, but for three earned runs. Even though, in his postseason experience he was 2-1/4.50 ERA, For a rookie and the pressure of postseason play,
not a bad showing by the young prospect.
In 2015, Gonzales was invited to Spring training and was in the running for the #5 rotation spot, along with Carlos Martinez. Martinez's sat at 3.94 after 16 IP over five appearances (four starts). Gonzales has posted a 0.71 ERA over 12 2/3 IP in four appearances (three starts). Decisions are not made on ERA alone, and it was Gonzales BB/SO imbalance that sent him back to the minors, as Martinez received the nod from manager Mike Matheny as the fifth starter for the Cardinals 2015 season. Martinez struck out 16 batters, walking five. Gonzales, seven K's while walking four. Spring training is a short period to judge, but with factors on the whole, a judgement call is made.
During the 2015 season in Memphis Triple-A, Gonzales experienced shoulder issues of his own which kept him on and off the DL, and back on again. However, after some rehab, he was recalled to St. Louis with disastrous results. He was only able to pitch 2.2 innings, gave up four earned runs on seven hits, one walk, one strikeout for a 13.50 ERA. Was it fair to bring him up? There could be viable arguments in that regard. He had pitched 69.1 innings, 51 strikeouts but had given up 10 HR/42 ER for a 5.45 ERA.
Fast forward, Gonzales has joined the early arrivals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter FL for the 2016 Spring training camp, He has had full rest in the off-season, experiencing no shoulder discomfort, and ready to compete for major league duty. According to Gonzales, (Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post Dispatch)
“Ups and downs, being hurt, being healthy,” Gonzales said. “It’s all part of the process. So (is) learning this game, learning myself and my character. Maybe I just needed to be served some humble pie last year. We all do sometimes.”
Gonzales has already had time on the mound at RDS in the informal workouts. Maturity and self-reflection does play a major part in one's ability to perform their best, in my opinion. Also, I feel (as I always have), that Marco has a bright future in the majors. I believe he has finally found "the between the ears" mindset and understands the mechanics that will make him better, make him stronger on the hill. I believe his mind in now in the right place to become one of our best.
Spring training officially begins the coming Wednesday with pitchers and catchers reporting. Gonzales is geared up for all to begin; along with the support of his wife as Gonzales was married in the off-season. I feel the rookie left-hander is now grounded, grown through experience, knows his strengths and weaknesses to be a strong piece in the Cardinals bullpen in 2016.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
St.Louis Cardinals - MLB Sports City
Busch Stadium, Home of the St. Louis Cardinals, sits quietly, awaiting team and fans come Opening Day, April 11. The Cardinals will host the Milwaukee Brewers for their home opener. This is home to one of the best MLB cities across the nation, with rich history and loved by Cardinals fans.
Spring training for the Cardinals is set to begin, February 17, just 11 days away, with pitchers and catchers reporting to officially kick-off training camp. Soon after all position players will file in and begin workouts on and off the field. The Cardinals will have a total of 62 players in attendance, their 40 man roster along with 22 non-roster invitees, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter FL.
The MLB Opening Day, 2016, for two teams in the National League Central Division, commences on April 3. The Cardinals will begin on the road facing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The game will be highlighted as the first game of the season at high noon on that celebrated Sunday - finally, the beginning of the MLB season long awaited by fans.
It will be Cardinals "Ace" Adam Wainwright to take the mound, April 3. After being on the DL most of 2015, he will be ready for the upcoming season. The question will be, which will be determined by the end of Spring training, who will be Cardinals #2 starting pitcher. The pitcher who will have the honor on the mound to open April 11.
In my opinion, it will be LHP Jaime Garcia.
Garcia put together a very good campaign in 2015, A 1.70 ERA at home. He closed his season, 10-6/2.43 ERA/97 SO/1.05 WHIP, only issuing 30 free passes. Even though he only saw 20 starts, 129.1 IP, due to being on the 15 DL with a groin injury, (no arm issues that had plagued him previous seasons), he was an essential part to the Cardinals rotation last season.
Garcia has (2105 season) taken advantage using five above-average pitches in the strike zone: four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, slider, change, and curve. From Brooks Baseball: (chart based on both right-handed and left-handed hitters)

Jaime Garcia Pitch Mix in 2015
| Frequency | Whiff | GB/BIP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-Seam | 24% | 4% | 63% |
| Two-Seam | 36% | 4% | 66% |
| Slider | 19% | 17% | 69% |
| Change | 14% | 17% | 64% |
| Curve | 7% | 11% | 67% |
Hands down, Garcia is a great pitcher when healthy. I feel he will remain in good health, looking to see a full season in 2016 with 30 game starts and as close to 200 innings as possible.
However, only speculation on my part, nothing will be in stone until, just prior to/or on, March 31. And, looking to the future, Garcia held a 1.91 ERA against the Brewers in 2015. Just sayin'.
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