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. 

    

Cardinals Are Above The "Fantasy" Paper Trail

The "underdog syndrome" has been placed upon the St.  Louis Cardinals for the 2016 season. Once again, as in last season's predictions, barely breaking the 90 mark in wins. And by some reports, only one game ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and seven games 'behind' the Chicago Cubs in the MLB NL Central division this coming season.

Last season, after "Ace" Adam Wainwright went down, out for the season due to Achilles surgery, many placed the Cardinals at a maximum 85-88 wins. St. Louis blew that summation out of the water, even with additional key players added to the DL, finished with 100 wins and taking the championship title in their division. 

This season, much speculation regarding the impact of the "older core" Cardinals - SP Adam Wainwright, LF Matt Holliday and C Yadier Molina - will have on the season. I say, hands down, all three will be determined to show the MLB world they certainly are not finished yet. And, I will add SS Jhonny Peralta to this list, since he, too, is the same age as 33 year old Molina.  

A "paper trail" does provide 'insight' of what may be, which fueled the creation of "Fantasy Sports". Fantasy by definition: "the faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable." 

A great article by Steven McNeil, Fansided, RedbirdRants.com compared all the hype "paper trail" surrounding the Carolina Panthers in our very recent Super Bowl 50. The Denver Broncos were not expected to even make a showing. However, we witnessed the Broncos stifling the Panthers in their victory. 

One does not hold a crystal ball. 'Faith and Belief' are two big words when it comes to sports. That mindset among great team members accomplishes great feats.  

With Wainwright, Holliday and Molina to be back, healthy and ready to play, along with the younger players wanting to make a name for themselves as the future of Cardinals Nation, I see a very strong team that will surprise many. Along, with Peralta in the mix the determination, commitment, confidence and tenacity will hit the field.

As mentioned in the article, a feeling of concern still lies at 1B for the Cardinals, with Matt Adams (returning from a season-out injury in 2015) and Brandon Moss to cover the #3 spot in the infield. There will be a competitiveness between both players to see their numbers rise. Maybe not "50 HR and 150 RBI", but certainly "30 HR/100 RBI" would not be too much to expect from the twosome. However, should they not produce as expected, the Cardinals do have time to address the issue. 

In view of the upcoming season for our Cardinals, I believe in our team. I believe in their capability to do well. And, I have faith in them as a strong collective unit. 

In my opinion, being the "underdog" is not all bad. Relieves pressure to play like they have nothing to lose, which the Cubs know that sentiment very well. Even though, the 'young core' of the Cubs have a new pressure placed upon them right out of the gate ... by every team they will face. And,  will their "older" rotation be able to sustain them. 

Competition will be tough all around the MLB. That is what makes baseball so great. Will the Cubs be able to live up to the hype? 

Just my own personal note and reminder, the Panthers found it was a tough haul handed to them in the end. 

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS CLOSER "EXTREME", TREVOR ROSENTHAL

St. Louis Cardinals closer extreme, Trevor Rosenthal. In my reference of "extreme", this comes
on two levels,

Level One - In 2014 he held a 3.20 ERA/45 Saves/70.1 IP, followed by his 2015 season closing
with a 2.10 ERA/48 Saves/68.2 IP.

Level Two - Suggested that fans bring along an oxygen tank, medications and heavy dose of faith
for his appearance on the mound. Many times fans have held their hands over their eyes waiting
for that final out. "Rosie" was not adverse to giving the opposition hope of a win with free passes,
or fly balls, to reach base. Throwing in a much needed double-play, was not beyond the "Rosie" method. However, and thankfully, most of the time he "did his job".

He finished second last season to Pittsburgh Pirates Mark Melancon, who had 51 saves for the 2015
season.

Does Rosenthal have the ability to be "top performer" as a closer in 2016 topping the save list?

Potentially, yes. His capabilities are intact and has become a very strong closer for the Cardinals.
What another season reaching 48+ saves will depend on is the offense for St. Louis.

It is surmised that the Cardinals will not be any stronger this season at the plate and will, once
again, be dependent of their very strong rotation and bullpen in 2016. Thus, Rosenthal will have
the opportunity to build his save count and reign as "King" this coming season over both leagues
of the MLB.

However, on the flipside, I feel the Cardinals offense is going to shock many and we will see
much improvement over last season. Therefore, taking away some of "Rosie's" save situations.

So, Cardinals fans, which would you rather see? Rosenthal with yet another (not to say even with
improved offense it won't happen) 48+ saves? OR, around the 35 mark?

Personally, I would like to see him hold down an ERA under the 2.00 mark, no matter his
accumulating save number. That would mean, Cardinals fans could rest easy in the ninth inning
of play - breathing far easier in getting the win.

And, no more need for this scene. Cardinals fans can hold this as a fond memory.

But, will fans be able to totally remove this sentiment entirely when "Rosie" takes the mound? My though is ~ "not". It's a moment we have come to accept and love - as we breathe deep with that final out. 

St.Louis Cardinals - MLB Sports City

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS - MLB SPORTS CITY ALONG THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI

St. Louis, Missouri - City by the Great Mississippi - home of the St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis joined the NL in 1892; at that time, they were called the Browns and the Perfectos before they were officially renamed as the Cardinals in 1900. (Wikipedia.com)

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'.