Cardinals Eye Young Arms for Final Rotation Spots
ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals are evaluating a trio of young, controllable pitchers—Andre pallante, Michael mcgreevy, and Matthew Liberatore—for the final spots in their starting rotation this season. This comes after the team declined options on veteran pitchers Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn, signaling a shift towards giving younger players opportunities.
Youth Movement in Cardinals’ Pitching Rotation?
The Cardinals have already locked in Sonny Gray, Erick Fedde, and Miles Mikolas for the opening of the season rotation. The focus now is on filling the remaining spots wiht promising young talent.
Pallante, McGreevy, and Liberatore in the Mix
Andre Pallante impressed last season with a 3.78 ERA over 121 1/3 innings, bolstered by an extraordinary 61.8% ground ball rate. Michael McGreevy, a former first-round pick, made his major league debut and posted a 1.96 ERA in his first 23 innings. Matthew Liberatore, a left-hander, was primarily used in relief last season, but is being considered for a return to the starting rotation.
Liberatore’s Spring Training Performance
Liberatore,25,has shown promise this spring,with the Cardinals encouraged by his performance. Although he has pitched exclusively in relief during Spring Training, this isn’t necessarily indicative of his future role, as pitchers are still building up their stamina. so far, he has pitched 9 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on five strikeouts and two walks.
McGreevy’s Development as a Starter
Manager Oli Marmol has indicated that the Cardinals are committed to McGreevy’s development as a starter. He believes that moving him to the bullpen would not benefit his long-term growth. McGreevy spent most of last season in Triple-A, making 27 starts and pitching 150 innings with a 4.02 ERA. While he could potentially hold his own in the major league rotation, the Cardinals have the option to keep him in Triple-A to continue his development.
Matz in the Picture
Adding to the competition is veteran left-hander Steven Matz. While not a long-term piece, the Cardinals hope he can regain some trade value. Matz is in the final year of a four-year deal and is owed $12 million. A strong first half could allow the Cardinals to trade him and offload part of his contract. Matz has been limited by back injuries and posted an ERA of just over five earned runs per nine innings last year. In three exhibition appearances, he has allowed three runs in nine innings. He will be on the MLB roster, but could work in long relief if he doesn’t secure a starting role.
With Pallante seemingly having an inside track on one of the open rotation spots, Liberatore and McGreevy will likely compete with Matz for the final position.
Besides Andre Pallante, which other young pitchers are considered strong contenders for a spot in the cardinals’ starting rotation?
Cardinals eye Young Arms for Final Rotation Spots: Q&A
Q: Why are the Cardinals focusing on young pitchers?
A: The Cardinals declined options on veteran pitchers Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn, signaling a shift towards developing younger players and giving them opportunities to prove themselves. This “youth movement” aims to build a enduring, long-term pitching core.
Q: Who are the main young pitchers competing for the rotation spots?
A: Andre Pallante, Michael McGreevy, and Matthew Liberatore are the primary contenders. Steven Matz, a veteran, is also in the mix, but more as a potential trade asset.
Q: What are Andre Pallante’s strengths?
A: pallante impressed with a 3.78 ERA last season and is known for an exceptional 61.8% ground ball rate. This ability to induce ground balls makes him a tough pitcher to score against.
Q: What has Matthew Liberatore done to earn a spot?
A: Liberatore, a left-hander, has shown promise in Spring Training, despite pitching in relief. He is built up his stamina, so far pitching 9 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on five strikeouts and two walks. The Cardinals are hoping for a return to the starting rotation.
Q: What’s the plan for Michael McGreevy?
A: the Cardinals are committed to McGreevy’s development as a starter. He spent most of last season in Triple-A, making 27 starts. The team is likely to keep him in Triple-A to continue his development.
Q: What about Steven matz?
A: Matz is a veteran hoping to regain trade value. A strong first half coudl make him a trade option, allowing the Cardinals to offload part of his $12 million contract. He is limited by back injuries and could work in long relief if he doesn’t secure a starting role.
Q: Who seems to have the best chance of making the rotation?
A: Pallante seems to have an inside track, but competition remains stiff.Liberatore, McGreevy, and Matz are all vying for a spot.
Q: What does this mean for the Cardinals’ season outlook?
A: The success of these young pitchers will be crucial to the Cardinals’ performance this season. Their development could make or break the Cardinals’ chance to contend.
Trivia: A high ground ball rate,like Pallante’s,can lead to more double plays,keeping runners off the bases and runs off the scoreboard. This could be a competitive edge for the Cardinals.
Keep an eye on these young arms as they battle for their place in the Cardinals’ rotation. Their success could be key to the Cardinals’ season!
