Scuffing Up the Start

It was a glorious day.  The Cardinals--well, at least the Baby Birds--were on the field and creating plenty of highlights.  The big guys were scheduled for the next day, really getting the freshness of spring going.

And then Spiezio happened.

I'm not sure exactly why it took two months for an arrest warrant to be issued in this case.  It doesn't sound like there was a whole lot of debate over what happened.

The worst part, perhaps, of the whole thing was the fact that he wasn't upfront with an organization that had done all it could to help him, plus signed him to a two-year contract in the offseason.  A contract that now they are going to have to eat.

I'm not sure what the Cardinals knew and when they knew it.  Apparently they didn't think it was a big deal but once the whole story came out, that changed.  I have no problems with their quick response in this matter.  Maybe, if last year hadn't happened, you'd have more of a debate about whether he should have been let go or not.  But when you look at the whole situation, it was pretty obvious that he wasn't welcome there anymore.

You note that his lawyer says that Spiezio "has been clean and sober for some time".  Apparently "some time" is less than two months.  And after the incident was apparently downplayed to Cardinal brass, you have to take that with a grain of salt as well, I think.

From a roster standpoint, this benefits Brendan Ryan.  There's really no one else on the team that has experience playing third base.  If he has a decent spring, he probably makes the team, whereas before, he needed a great spring and possibly some extra help.

OK, enough of the down side of yesterday.  Let's look at the positives from the box score.  All the general caveats apply, but it's still worth looking at.

First off, apparently the knee isn't bothering Brian Barton too much.  2-2, a home run and three RBI isn't a bad day.   Especially when you only play about three innings.  He's definitely going to be one to watch this spring.

Michell Boggs could have looked a little sharper, but the rest of the Precamp Six that pitched had very strong outings.

Amaury Marti added to his burgeoning reputation by hitting a pinch-hit grand slam.  With the outfield situation the way it is, he's not likely to play in SL to start the year, but he could be an option if injuries hit.

And the daily Rasmus watch:  2-2, 4 runs and an RBI.  Not a bad day at the top of the lineup, huh?

Today, the Cardinals really get it going, facing the NL East favorite Mets in a 12:05 CST start.  Per Derrick Goold, here's the lineup:

1. Adam Kennedy, 2B
2. Rick Ankiel, CF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Troy Glaus, 3B
5. Chris Duncan, LF
6. Juan Gonzalez, DH
7. Skip Schumaker, RF
8. Cesar Izturis, SS
9. Jason LaRue, C

Starting pitcher: RHP Anthony Reyes.

And out of the bullpen: RHP Hugo Castellanos; RHP Kelvin Jimenez; RHP Jason Motte; RHP Mark Worrell; LHP Jaime Garcia and, as depth, RHP Tyler Herron.

Really interested to see what Reyes does today.  I'd like to see a couple of innings, a hit, a couple of strikeouts, at the most one run given up.  We'll see what develops!

Leave a comment

3 Comments