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Terminal Grades: Every 2010 St. Louis Cardinal Player, Coach, and More
It's no hole-and-corner that this was a disappointing flavour for the St. Louis Cardinals. 2010 saw many ups and downs, but in the stop, the Cardinals missed the playoffs, and that'southward what matters.
This offseason volition be all near helping the Cardinals get dorsum to playing meaningful Oct baseball game in 2011. But to perfect the futurity, we must analyze the by. In this instance, the very recent past.
So, who do the Cardinals need to bring back to make 2011 successful?
Welcome to my handy guide. Here, I'll look at how each and every Cardinal performed in 2010, and a brief await at what their hereafter holds, whether with the Cardinals and across. Then I assigned each a helpful final course for judging their performances.
Then, you can continue reading this introduction, or click ahead to the proficient stuff.
Bold Led Team
Bold Italicized Tied for Squad Pb
*Asterisks* Led League
Bryan Anderson
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Key Stats: .281/.314/.344, four RBI
Afterward spending three years in the Cardinals farm system, Bryan Anderson finally made his much predictable big league debut this year when backup catcher Jason LaRue went downwardly with a concussion.
He got into 4 games before being sent back to Memphis.
For the season, Anderson batted .270/.341/.448 with a career loftier 12 homers and 42 RBI in 82 games for Triple-A Memphis, and batted .281 in fifteen games with the large social club.
Anderson did show some weakness in St. Louis. He struck out (vii) far more he walked (1), but he striking a pair of doubles, and at the immature age of 23, Anderson still has plenty of fourth dimension to develop into the catcher the Cardinals envisioned when they drafted him.
Final Form: C
Mitchell Boggs
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: 2-3, 3.61 ERA, i.292 WHIIP, 52 Grand
For Mitchell Boggs, 2010 was a season of self-discovery. After competing for a starting job in Bound Training, Boggs pitched out of the bullpen, and became a reliable pitcher capable of racking up strikeouts in key situations, and might have thrown his hat into the competition for closer as soon every bit Ryan Franklin decides to retire.
With a devastating fastball that occasionally reaches the high 90s and a slider that leaves even the well-nigh experienced major league veterans shaking their heads, Boggs is the poor human being's Aroldis Chapman.
Thanks to his sharp slider, Boggs dominated righties this year, holding them to a .238 batting average and posting a 1000/BB ratio of iii.23, a significant step up from his 0.71 mark against lefties.
If Boggs tin figure out the left handers, don't be surprised to come across this difficult-throwing 27-year old locking down Central wins in the future.
Final Form: B+
Chris Carpenter
Greg Fiume/Getty Images
Fundamental Stats: 16-9, iii.22 ERA, 1.179 WHIP, 235 IP, 179 K
When leading the league in game started and finishing 2d in innings pitched is considered an off year, you know y'all're good.
Chris Carpenter did exactly that in another All-Star season. He also ranked top 10 in the league in wins, batters faced, and BB/9, likewise equally having the dubious distinction of second most hit batsmen.
In reality, Carpenter was every bit swell as usual, although his command suffered a bit this year. When compared to concluding season's campaign, Carpenter's 2010 is somewhat disappointed, but overall, it should be appreciated equally another masterful pitching performance from one of the greatest Cardinals aces ever.
Final Course: A-
Allen Craig
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: .246/.298/.412, 4 HR, xviii RBI
After hearing of Allen Craig's minor-league expenditures in 2009, many Cardinals fans were eager to get the reigning Hitter of the Year up with the large lodge.
Although Craig broke camp with the big club, he struggled from the showtime, going 1-for-21 to start his career. Despite opening the flavour in the bigs, Craig didn't manage his commencement homer until July.
However, later the ugly stretch to start the flavour, Craig seemed to figure things out, batting .290/.340/.495 to finish the flavour, including a big iii-5 day with a walk-off single against the rival Cubs.
If he'southward non included in a a trade, Craig will probably be dorsum with the 2011 team as a fourth outfielder.
Concluding Form: C-
Daniel Descalso
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Central Stats: .265/.324/.324, iv RBI
Daniel Descalso certainly had an interesting major league debut, although he might non accept fabricated his presence known for those of yous keeping your own scorecard.
On September 22 against San Diego, Descalso stepped upwards to the plate every bit a pinch-hitter, forcing Padres manager Bud Black to make to movement to his bullpen, which and then prompted Tony LaRussa to pinch striking Nick Stavinoha for Descalso. Without ever making a plate appearance, Daniel Descalso officially became a member of the St. Louis Cardinals family.
Those of y'all who are interested in the Cardinals farm system may think Descalso from a year ago, when he set Double-A Springfield on fire with a slash-line of .323/.396/.531 with eight homers, 23 doubles, and three triples in 73 games in before receiving a well-deserved call-upward to Memphis.
This year, making his first advent in the bigs, Descalso showed off some versatility. Despite being a second baseman by trade, he made his get-go major league appearance at third. His versatility could prove very valuable if he hopes to brand the club equally a fill-in infielder out of Spring Preparation next yr.
Final Grade: C-
Dave Duncan
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Later on nearly leaving the Cardinals this offseason, mastermind Dave Duncan came back and showed why he may be one of the greatest coaches in baseball, or even sports, history.
After returning for his 30th flavour equally a pitching autobus, Duncan helped several Cardinals pitchers take a big step forrard, and also returned one erstwhile ace to Cy Immature form.
2010 saw the emergence of Jaime Garcia, a rookie lefthander, who flourished under Duncan's tutelage. In his beginning year back from Tommy John surgery, Garcia joined the starting rotation and posted a stellar 2.70 ERA.
Duncan also oversaw the return to grade of Brad Penny, who was having a spectacular flavour before he was batty by injury, and Jake Westbrook, who came over from the Indians at midseason and became the sort of groundball bullpen Dave loves.
Finally, and near chiefly, 2010 saw connected development of Adam Wainwright, who won a career best xx games and 2.42 ERA, both adept for 2d in the league. Wainwright led the Cardinals in most every measure of greatness, and, nether Duncan'southward guide, has become 1 of the best pitchers in baseball.
With Tony LaRussa signed for next year, it is almost guaranteed that Duncan will join him next year.
Terminal Grade: A-
Pedro Feliz
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Central Stats: ,208/.232/.250, 1 HR, ix RBI
After losing rookie David Freese to injury, and growing tired of the atrocious play of Felipe Lopez at third, the Cardinals went out and acquired tertiary baseman Pedro Feliz from the Astros.
A simple look at his stats will tell you that the deal didn't exactly piece of work out for the Cardinals.
Feliz, who has played in two World Series with the Giants and Phillies, crumpled under the pressure of a pennant hunt, driving in merely nine runs in 40 games with the Redbirds.
Although Feliz'south defense force was solid as usual, the acquisition of a no-hit, good-field third baseman was baffling for a team that had no trouble preventing runs, but needed help scoring them. In retrospect, the motility to get Feliz was probably made out of desperation.
Equally for Daniel Carpenter, who the Cardinals traded to acquire Feliz, the 24-year old finished off a top-notch season as the closer for Class-A Lancaster and Palm Beach, posting a 2.53 ERA with a one.180 WHIP and xx saves in a season carve up between the St. Louis and Houston organizations.
Hopefully, this merchandise won't come back to seize with teeth the Cardinals in the backside.
Final Class: F-
Ryan Franklin
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: 27-30 SV, 3.46 ERA, one.031 WHIP, 42 K
In a tumultuous flavour fraught with moments that had Cardinals Nation holding its collective breath, Ryan Franklin quietly turned in some other solid flavour.
His 1.031 WHIP led all Cardinals pitchers, and although he didn't put upwards gaudy stat lines, he got the job washed for a team that had trouble winning the close games.
Although he didn't quite live up to final year'due south standards, Franklin put upwardly a quality 3.46 ERA, which, when farther examined, was probably skewed by a few rough games. He had a 2.67 ERA in save situations, but Tony used him more often when the game wasn't on the line, despite his .185 batting boilerplate against in situations of loftier or medium leverage.
Franklin's contract is upward at the cease of next year, and he has contemplated retiring after his electric current deal ends. If he chooses to walk away from the game, the Cardinals have a bevy of young arms waiting to step into the closer's role.
Final Grade: B+
David Freese
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Fundamental Stats: .296/.361/.404, four HR, 36 RBI
Before David Freese went downwardly, the Cardinals looked like the favorites to win the Central. After losing him for the flavor, they were a drastically different team.
With Freese in the starting lineup, the Cardinals were 37-27 (.579), but without him, they were 50-50 (.500). Freese's biggest impact was in high-force per unit area situations, where he came through more often than not, batting .327 with runners in scoring position.
That'south why non replacing Freese with Joe Crede, or some other offense threat, rather than Felipe Lopez and Pedro Feliz, was the second biggest mistake the front end part made.
Adjacent year, the Cardinals wait Freese to be fully healthy, and he'll be the heavy favorite for the third base job heading into Jump Preparation, barring some sort of conquering.
Final Form: A-
Jaime Garcia
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: 13-8, two.seventy ERA, 1.316 WHIP, 132 K
Of all of the surprises, both adept and bad, that the Cardinals experienced this season, Jaime Garcia may have been the least expected, and also the most welcomed.
Looking for a complementary arm for their duo of aces, the Cardinals added Brad Penny, who joined a 4-man rotation heading into Spring Training. Garcia battled with Kyle McClellan and veteran Rich Hill for the 5th spot.
Heading into the competition, I was a staunch supporter of McClellan, who had been nails in the pitcher in 2009. I'd hoped that he'd make the transition well into a starting bullpen. In fact, I looked at Garcia, who was coming off Tommy John surgery, every bit the underdog in the three-man competition.
Here'south what I wrote:
"Garcia has a slim hazard of making the Opening Twenty-four hours roster, but could fill in downwardly the line, should McClellan or Colina go along the disabled list. Until they do, this is still a two-human being competition."
Luckily for myself and the St. Louis Cardinals, I was way off the marker. Although McClellan's 1.38 ERA was tops amidst Cardinals pitchers this spring, Tony LaRussa wisely chose to keep McClellan in the bullpen, where he'due south most effective.
Garcia was i of the superlative pitchers in baseball game. His 2.70 ERA was good for quaternary in the league.
It'southward amazing in how just a few months, Garcia went from being the underdog for the fifth starter'due south part, to a favorite for Rookie of the Twelvemonth.
Terminal Grade: A+
Tyler Greene
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Cardinal Stats: .221/.328/.327, 2 HR, 10 RBI
In a flavour where the Cardinals had mediocre play from the infield, Tyler Greene stepped in... and was just as mediocre.
Stepping in for Felipe Lopez and
He struggled at the plate hitting simply .221, and really managed to have a slugging percentage lower than his on-base pct despite just drawing 13 walks.
He also had trouble defensively. His .934 fielding percentage won't cut it, and if Greene wants to contribute to next year's team, he has plenty of fourth dimension to effigy it all out between now and Spring Training.
He's non eligible for costless agency until 2016, so he'll probably be a Cardinal for quite some time, unless he'south included in a trade.
Terminal Grade: D+
Mark Hamilton
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Fundamental Stats: .143/.200/.143
Mark Hamilton but got 14 September at-bats with this year'south squad, so I'll use this space to focus on his overall season performance.
Spending most of his fourth dimension at Triple-A, Hamilton was impressive, hitting .298/.391/.582, with a career high 20 homers, in but 81 games. The downside for Hamilton is that he's never played a position other than first base, and, although he's very solid defensively, there'southward non an opening at start base for hopefully the forseeable future.
Hamilton has a shot at a demote job coming out of spring, only information technology's more probable that he's included in some sort of trade parcel by next July. He'll exist 26 in 2011, so the Cardinals volition have to capitalize on his value soon.
Final Grade: B+
Blake Hawksworth
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Key Stats: 4-8, iv.98 ERA, 1.638 WHIP, 61 Yard
Afterwards posting a ii.03 ERA a flavour agone, Blake Hawksworth came into 2010 every bit a pleasant surprise looking to build on a solid flavor.
Instead, he found himself forced into a starting office, and struggling.
Equally a reliever, Hawksworth was mediocre, merely acceptable. His ii.36 K/BB and four.25 ERA were passable, although they left something to be desired.
Even so, in 8 starts, Hawksworth actually struggled. His K/BB ratio dropped to one.33, and his ERA jumped over a run and a half, to 5.83. Information technology's pretty clear that Blake Hawksworth was a different pitcher when he came out of the bullpen.
Hawksworth already has locked upward a role in the bullpen, barring a sort of breakdown between now and Opening Day. Time volition tell if he tin agree on to that role, or even advance to playing the part of major league starter.
Concluding Grade: C-
Steve Hill
Primal Stats: .333/.333/one.333, 1 HR, ane RBI
Steve Loma'due south call-upward to the large leagues was purely happnenstance, a thing of scheduling. As a result, he only got 3 at-bats. He sure fabricated them count.
Considering both Bryan Anderson and Robert Stock were previously occupied with games for Triple-A Memphis, while Hill's Springfield team had an off solar day, the Cardinals brought upwardly Hill to supercede Jason LaRue.
In the 9th inning of his large league debut at Busch Stadium against the Cubs, Hill became the eleventh Key to become yard in his big league debut, and the offset since Hector Luna in 2004. He joins, among others, Ken Boyer and Wally Moon.
This flavour, half dozen rookies take gone deep in their debuts: Jason Heyward, Starlin Castro, Daniel Nava, J.P. Arencibia, Luke Hughes, and Hill. He also became the 33rd actor to homer in his commencement game as a Cardinal.
His dwelling house run launched a 9th-inning rally for St. Louis, who managed to score five runs that inning to cut the deficit to two, before Hill stepped upward again and this time grounded out with the tying run on 2d to stop the game.
After the game, Hill was sent back to Springfield.
Since he only appeared in i game, Loma nonetheless has a chance to become the 4th Fundamental to homer in his start two career games next flavour, joining Keith McDonald, Leon Wagner, and Joe Cunningham. No Cardinal has homered in his first three games.
Despite being fifth among catchers in the Cardinals organization, Hill has cracking potential. In only 102 games, divide between Springfield and Memphis, Loma hit .271/.345/.529 with 24 homers and 92 RBIs, excellent numbers for a catcher. At the ripe age of 24, and with an opening for a backup catcher, Colina could exist on his way to a part every bit a right-handed bat off the demote, or could be dangled every bit merchandise bait by the Cardinals this offseason.
Final Course: B+
Matt Holliday
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Key Stats: .312 /.390/.532, 28 HR, 103 RBI, 186 H, 45 2B, 9 SB
When the Cardinals acquired Matt Holliday terminal year, they expected him to be a strong compliment to Albert Pujols. Subsequently resigning him this wintertime, the Cardinals constitute that Holliday most eclipsed Pujols as the team's top hitter.
In fact, Holliday's .312080537 average just edges out Pujols's .311754685 for the team lead in average. Holliday also led the team in hits, and a strong end brought him within 1 of Philadelphia'south Jayson Werth for the league pb in doubles.
According to WAR, this was Holliday'southward 2nd finest flavor, behind only his monster 2007 flavour, which may be ane of the most underrated this decade.
By continuing to prove that he can be a consistent MVP candidate outside of Coors Field, Holliday may exist setting himself up for the fast track for the Hall of Fame. One day, we may be talking not nearly Holliday'south Hall of Fame chances, but whether or non he goes in every bit a Cardinal.
Last Grade: A+
Jon Jay
Al Bello/Getty Images
Central Stats: .300/.359/.422, 4 HR, 27 RBI
In a twelvemonth of surprises, the most surprising Cardinal really shouldn't have been much of a surprise at all. Jon Jay had the athleticism. He had the track tape, batting .321 last year with Memphis. All he needed, it turns out, was the chance.
Subsequently moving betwixt the minors and St. Louis early on and posting a .302 average in his first 43 at-bats. Tony LaRussa gently began to work Jay into the lineup, and subsequently a scorching July he was batting .383, prompting the Cardinals to trade All-Star correct fielder Ryan Ludwick, leaving Jay to take over the starting job.
After being handed the keys to the Corvette, Jay promptly crashed into the nearest streetlight.
Afterward batting .431 in July, Jay followed upward with a .266 August and .218 and September/October.
Despite his overall strong season, Jay showed to be a streaky hitter. He'southward still clutching the steering wheel now, but ane slip-up or a free agent signing and Jay will find himself relegated to the demote again.
Final Class: B+
Jason LaRue
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: .196/.274/.321, ii Hr, 5 RBI
After his late-game home run against Colorado led the Cardinals to the division title last year, Jason LaRue's flavour was looking bright.
Sadly, his season and career were both tragically concluded during the infamous brawl with the Cincinnati Reds, in which Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto, pinned against the backstop, lashed out and kicked several players, including LaRue.
On August nineteen, LaRue went on the disabled listing with a concussion stemming from the Cueto incident. A month later, LaRue announced his retirement from baseball, citing ongoing postconcussion symptoms.
Although LaRue contributed fiddling to the 2010 Cardinals other than taking up a roster spot, Cardinals fans' hearts go out to the Fu Manchu-ed catcher whose Texas-bred heart was virtually large as his oversized Hummer.
Terminal Class: D+
Tony LaRussa
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
After a flavour filled with disappointment, many were quick to arraign Cardinals director Tony LaRussa as the source of St. Louis's misfortune.
Nevertheless, a simple await through of the numbers will show that LaRussa did a fine, even admirable job of managing.
For instance, the Cardinals were not equally far from winning the division as many may have you believe. Despite being v games backside Cincinnati, the Cardinals had a Pythagorean Expected Win-Loss record of 91-71, while the Reds had an expected record of 92-lxx. Clearly, the Cardinals and Reds had similar seasons, only runs just didn't come up at the right times for St. Louis.
Some might even become ahead and blame that on LaRussa. Subsequently all, isn't it his job to make sure the team scores when they need to? Equally Joe Morgan would say, isn't it LaRussa's job to brand certain they "manufacture runs"? In fact, the Cardinals seemed to excel at that very thing, placing fifth in baseball in number of "productive outs", i.e. outs that produce a run or advance a baserunner. If you believe in that sort of thing, LaRussa was darn skillful at it.
So, did LaRussa alive up to expectations in 2010? No. But was he the just reason the Cardinals missed the playoffs? Definitely non.
He's already signed his contract for 2011, and it gets more likely every twelvemonth that he'll end his career every bit a Cardinal.
Concluding Class: B-
Kyle Lohse
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Fundamental Stats: 4-8, half dozen.55 ERA, 1.783 WHIP, 54 K
A few years ago, with Chris Carpenter on the DL once once again, and Adam Wainwright just first the transition to starter, Kyle Lohse became a savior for the Redbirds, going 15-6, along with a 3.78 ERA. The wins and ERA were both career bests for Lohse, who reached double digits in the win column for the first time since 2003 with Minnesota, and information technology was the first time that his ERA dipped below four. St. Louis management saw fit to reward him with a four-yr/$41M extension.
This year, that mistake finally reached its nadir, every bit Lohse struggled with injuries and consistency for the second straight season, pitching in a career low xviii games, and posting a career loftier 6.55 ERA.
To be off-white, Lohse hasn't been the same since he was hit trying to lay down a bunt against the Royals' Ron Mahay last yr. Things got fifty-fifty more frustrating for the righty when he was diagnosed with exertional compartment syndrome, an extremely rare arm status that requires surgery. ECS is common in the legs of runners, but Lohse'south case may be the first in a pitcher.
Hopefully, Lohse tin can meet some sort of render to form in 2011. If not to his 2008 grade, at least to a semblance of the effective pitcher he was in the early on 2000's with Minnesota.
Look on the bright side, Cardinals fans: Todd Wellemeyer was just as constructive for the 2008 Redbirds. Thankfully, they didn't sign him to an extension.
Terminal Grade: D-
Felipe Lopez
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Fundamental Stats: .231/.310/.340, 7 HR, 36 RBI
Back in Spring Grooming, the Cardinals were pretty set effectually the infield. Albert was Albert, David Freese had locked up the third base job, and Skip and Brendan were coming of .303 and .292 seasons, respectively.
And then the Cardinals signed Felipe Lopez.
I'll acknowledge, at the time, it seemed like a corking deal. A million dollars for a player who had batted .385 after joining St. Louis down the stretch in 2008, and knocked the embrace off the ball in 2009? Heck, I might be willing to pay some of the contract to get it done.
Unfortunately for both Lopez and the Cardinals, he was pretty terrible.
His .231 batting average and .310 on-base per centum, combined with Tony LaRussa'due south insistence on putting him in the leadoff spot, meant less runners on base for Albert Pujols. He did succeed at getting men on base - for the other squad. His .920 fielding percentage fabricated Cardinals fans cringe whenever the ball was hitting near him.
Unsurprisingly, the Cardinals cut him almost the end of the year. Besides unsurprisingly, for the third direct flavor, he was much better with his 2nd team, batting .267/.313/.467 in a couple of games with the Ruby-red Sox.
Final Course: F-
Ryan Ludwick
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Key Stats: .281/.343/.484, 11 HR, 43 RBI
I'll get this off my chest from the start: Trading Ryan Ludwick was ane of the biggest mistakes the Cardinals have made in years. (If y'all're looking for more on that, check out the slide evaluating John Mozeliak and the front office.)
But when he yet donned the Birds on the Bat, Ludwick was as clutch as they come. He got off to a strong outset batting .451 with runners in scoring position heading into mid-June. He also batted .476 with runners in scoring position and two out, leading in the majors.
Those numbers tailed off going into July, and by the end of the month Cardinals management saw fit to trade Ludwick to the San Diego Padres in a three-team deal that netted Jake Westbrook. In San Diego, Ludwick clearly struggled.
He'll be eligible for arbitration this twelvemonth, and it remains to be seen whether the Padres volition bring Ludwick van Bathoven back for some other chance.
Last Grade: B+
Mike MacDougal
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: i-one, 7.23 ERA, ane.875 WHIP, 14 K
In a surprise movement, the Cardinals added fireballer Mike MacDougal on July vii.
Making his Cardinals debut on July 28 after a stint with Memphis, the righty picked upward a win in his first game as a Redbird, coming out of the bullpen in an 8-seven victory.
He finished out the month having made three appearances and allowing no runs.
Unfortunately, the dog days of summer caught upwards with MacDougal in Baronial, as he surrendered 11 runs in just eight.1 innings, including six in a brutal one-and-2-thirds outing against his former Washington teammates to end the calendar month.
He got back on track in September, allowing simply one run through his first vi.1 innings, before finishing the season on a low note, allowing three runs to the Pirates in his last game.
MacDougal's contract will expire at the end of the flavor, and the Cardinals will probably let him walk. If he does return, it would probably be on a minor league deal.
Final Class: D-
Evan MacLane
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: 0-1, nine.00 ERA, two.000 WHIP
We saw very little from MacLane in his big league debut this year (he only faced 4 batters, giving up a walk-off homer to Chris Ianetta in the horrendous "Collapse in Colorado"), so I'll focus on his small league performance.
MacLane has come a long style since he was a immature Mets prospect in 2004, when at the age of 21 he went 10-4 with a 2.44 ERA. Since then, he was traded for Shawn Green, spent time in the Arizona and St. Louis arrangement, and finally fabricated his debut this yr at the age of 27.
His big league debut was curt, only coming in when the Cardinals were running short on relief pitchers. But making one fault isn't and so bad, just he's an extreme long shot to brand the team out of Spring Training next year.
Concluding Grade: C-
Joe Mather
Rob Tringali/Getty Images
Key Stats: .217/.242/.283, iii RBI
Since arriving in the majors in 2008, "Joey Bombs" has certainly had an interesting major league career. Later on batting .315 with 12 homers in Triple-A, he received a well deserved call-up. Equally a starter in his debut, he got his kickoff hit, and the game-winning RBI in the seventh inning.
He finished that season with a .241/.306/.474, showing Cardinals fans that this fun-loving Idaho boy could slug it.His swing-for-the-fences mental attitude and outgoing demeanor had him a favorite for an outfield spot going into 2009.
Instead, he was the last thespian cutting from the 25-homo roster. A combination of injuries and inconsistency made 2009 a miserable yr for Joey, as he batted .188 with simply iv homers in 59 games, the same span he took to hit twelve long balls in 2008.
In 2010, Mather fabricated a strong return from injury, spending 91 games with Memphis, and hitting .275 with x homers. He played 36 games in the big leagues as well, fifty-fifty receiving the loss in the xx-inning game against New York.
At the historic period of 28, Mather has gained cult status in St. Louis, merely if he doesn't speed things up soon, he could find himself struggling to go a big league task.
Final Grade: C-
Kyle McClellan
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Fundamental Stats: one-4, two.27 ERA, one.075 WHIP, 60 Thousand
When military camp opened, I was rooting for Kyle McClellan to win the fifth starter'south spot.
Later on all, he had an impressive sophomore season out of the bullpen, and he had an excellent spring. I fully expected him to exist added to the starting rotation.
Luckily for myself, I was wrong.
Not merely did Jaime Garcia, the man who beat McClellan for the task, have an amazing season, but McClellan was also astonishing, with a 2.27 ERA and 1.075 WHIP, making him one of the National League's premier setup men.
At the age of 26, McClellan looks like he has established himself as an ace reliever, contributing ane.viii WAR to a team starved for relief pitching.
In fact, McClellan's season could've been even better. Despite his great season, he had a career loftier 9 home runs immune, which can exist mostly attributed to a xi.7% HR/FB rate, which, if he qualified, would exist the tenth highest in the league. Several of his homers cleared the contend past less than ten feet.
If McClellan eliminates, say 4 of those homers, he could have an ERA as low as i.43. With a chip of improvement, and a fair corporeality of luck, McClellan could be an All-Star in a year or two.
Final Class: A-
Mark McGwire
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
In his outset season as Cardinals hitting coach, Marking McGwire wasn't disappointing. He just wasn't what anyone suspected.
Anyone who watched McGwire'south career knows his story. A prodigious slugger who loved the long ball, but never hitting for a high boilerplate.
However, this yr's Cardinals team was a polar contrary of McGwire, placing second in the league in batting average, merely sixteenth in slugging. Only Albert Pujols hit more than 30 homers.
In one regard, withal, Cardinals hitters were similar McGwire - they were very streaky. Like the erstwhile slugger, St. Louis hitters had a hard fourth dimension keeping their batting averages stable. In fact, the simply Cardinals regular who had a batting average over .300 for more than two months was Matt Holliday.
Overall, McGwire was aught special as a hit coach. I admire him for overcoming adversity in the media at the season's opening, and non letting him touch his job, only information technology wouldn't make much of a departure if McGwire returns next yr.
Final Form: C+
Aaron Miles
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: .281/.311/.317, 9 RBI
Every bit much as the Cardinals need Aaron Miles, Miles needs the Cardinals. Outside of St. Louis, Miles seems to be unable to hit. Only in the Gateway Metropolis, Aaron seems to exist a hit machine.
In his iv seasons with the Redbirds, Miles has hit .288, a far cry from the .185 mark he put upwardly with the 2009 Cubs.
Past contributing to a World Series championship, as well as sabotaging the rival Cubs, Miles is approaching cult hero condition in St. Louis.
He can play all the infield and outfield positions, then it would be benign for the Cardinals to bring him back on a one-year deal for next season, unless they notice a meliorate option.
Final Grade: C+
Trever Miller
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Primal Stats: 0-1, 4.00 ERA, 1.278 WHIP, 22 K
After a career bests with a 0.962 WHIP and 2.06 ERA in 2009, the Cardinals rewarded Trever Miller with a two-yr extension.
In the get-go year of his multi-yr deal, Miller struggled to stay healthy. He pitched the fewest innings since 2000, when he separate time betwixt the Phillies and Dodgers, and the fewest games since 1999, when he was a 26-year old reliever for the Astros.
However, when he was in the game, he didn't disappoint. His iv.00 ERA isn't good in the context of the league, only for Miller, it was the 5th best showing in a 12-year career. His HR/9 and H/9 were the second all-time of his career, only bested by his 2009 and 2008 seasons, respectively.
Miller will return to the 'pen in '11, and hopefully he can stay on the field longer. Being a contract year, this 2011 flavour may be brand or break for the 37-year old Miller.
Final Grade: C+
Yadier Molina
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Key Stats: .262/.329/.342, 6 HR, 62 RBI
In his seventh season in the league, the 27-year old Yadier Molina continued to make strides, making his 2nd straight All-Star Game, and is also a favorite for his third directly Gold Glove.
Although his .262 batting average was his worst since 2006, Molina was much better after the All-Star Game, batting .315 in 57 games before being shut down with a few weeks left in the season.
Likewise notable is that Molina batted .316 out of the 6th spot in the order. If Tony LaRussa keeps him there next season, he could experience continued success.
Molina was his usual stellar cocky on defense, leading the leagues in assists, full Zone Runs, and caught stealing % among catchers, despite missing 26 games due to injury. He also finished 2nd in putouts, games and caught stealing.
Most surprisingly, or perhaps least for those who have watched Molina play, he was fourth among all position players with 1.seven defensive State of war.
And, despite only playing seven years in the big leagues, Molina is already eighteenth amidst active players for defensive State of war. In fact, Molina and Carl Crawford are the just player younger than 30 in the height 30. The only other thirty-or-younger player in the top 20 is Albert Pujols.
He's under contract for adjacent yr, and if he continues to brand strides on offense, information technology would exist incredibly surprising in Molina, a fan favorite, is not offered a multi-year deal by the Cardinals.
Final Form: B+
Jason Motte
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Fundamental Stats: 4-2, 2.24 ERA, ane.127 WHIP, 54 Yard
After losing his chore as closer just one game into the 2009 flavor, Jason Motte spent the 2010 season working to get back there.
In his second full season, Motte lowered his ERA, WHIP, H/9, HR/9, BB/ix, and raised his M/9 and Yard/BB. He struck out 54 batters, equal to last year's full, while pitching four fewer innings. With Ryan Franklin set to retire subsequently this upcoming season, Motte is the favorite to replace him.
He certainly has the stuff, with a fastball that frequently reaches the loftier-90s, a developing curveball that showed great improvement last twelvemonth, and a menacing beard and goggles.
Should Motte turn in a similar flavor next year, he'll have the closer's job all but sown up.
Last Grade: A-
John Mozeliak
Over the class of the 2010 season, General Director John Mozeliak saw his offseason moves pan out or fail, and along the way made a few moves of his own. Here are the grades for his private moves, likewise as his overall grade:
Resigning Matt Holliday, 7-yr/$120M: A-
Resigning Holliday was the virtually of import and surprising move the Cardinals fabricated this past offseason. Most writers and executives agreed that the Cardinals outbid themselves for Holliday, but he certainly proved himself this year, nearly leading the league in doubles and posting MVP numbers all around.
Resigning Jason LaRue, 1-yr/$950K: C-
With Yadier Molina still under contract, the Cardinals resigned LaRue simply for his veteran presence and his ability to brand a handful of starts if Molina got hurt. Molina stayed salubrious until the last month of the flavour, just by then, LaRue had sustained a career-ending injury.
Signing Brad Penny, i-yr/$7.5M: B
If not for Penny'due south injury, this would have been i of the best moves of the offseason. For his first few starts, Penny seemed to be a Cy Young candidate, and could even be considered a favorite. He slowed downwardly a bit in a rough outing confronting Cincinnati, but still managed great numbers before going downward with a season-catastrophe injury against the Angels.
Signing Felipe Lopez, 1-yr/$1M: D-
Coming out of the offseason, this was hailed as, far and away, Mozeliak's best motility of the offseason. Although it looked skilful at the time, Lopez played miserably all season. The just reason the class is this high is the bargain toll Lopez came at.
Signing Randy Winn, i-yr/$1.1M: C
Although Winn didn't push the Cardinals to the playoffs, acquiring him wasn't such a bad move. He came off the bench for several big hits, but the law-breaking wasn't able to button him home. Winn reached base 40 times, simply just scored 16 runs. It'south unlikely, but possible, that Mozeliak would pursue
Signing Aaron Miles, 1-yr/$400K: C+
Signing Aaron Miles may take been the most successful of Mozeliak'south short-term deals. He played all of the infield and outfield positions, giving the Cardinals an extremely versatile player who could choice up hits down the stretch. Although Miles didn't really help the Cardinals out, he did take a successful individual season with the Redbirds.
Signing Mike MacDougal, i-twelvemonth/400K: D
Mozeliak brought MacDougal on board with a minor league deal, but he spent most of his time in the majors, unsuccessfully. Although the bargain was skilful in theory, MacDougal couldn't return to his 2009 course.
Trading Julio Lugo for cash: C-
This motion was especially regrettable considering of the way Felipe Lopez played. Trading Lugo to make room for Lopez. Although Lugo wasn't peachy for Balitmore, he would have certainly been an improvement over Lopez, and would have been a cheaper choice as well.
Acquiring Jake Westbrook and minor leaguer Nick Greenwood for Ryan Ludwick: C-
Whether or non this deal pans out long term has notwithstanding to be seen. If the Cardinals resign Westbrook, the deal comes out looking slightly better. If not, then slightly worse. This grade is an average of those 2 possibilities. In trading Ludwick, the front part left the offense without a serious clutch hitter outside of Pujols and Holliday, and they certainly struggled for information technology.
Acquiring Pedro Feliz for minor leaguer David Carpenter: D-
Because of the cost and the render, this was probably the worst deal Mozeliak made. By trading minor league closer Carpenter, who was having a good season, for Pedro Feliz, a no-hit third baseman with aging knees, the Cardinals lost a possible nugget, and gained null in return. To compound the state of affairs, Joe Crede, a much ameliorate hitter and a very adept fielder, was available all flavour, but the Cardinals didn't show any interest.
Overall Grade: C-
Although the Holliday contract seems to exist a cracking success, many of Mozeliak's short-term deals didn't pan out. Trading away Ludwick may have handicapped the Cardinals for the rest of the season. Although no single movement was the downfall of the Cardinals flavour, information technology'southward possible that Mozeliak was also focused on Holliday and other big names to fill up out the entire roster.
He received a three-year extension this yr, and I look forward to seeing him redeem himself this offseason. If he resigns Albert Pujols, he will be a hero in St. Louis, no matter what other moves he makes.
Adam Ottavino
Primal Stats: 0-2, eight.46 ERA, ii.060 WHIP, 12 One thousand
At the young age of 24, Adam Ottavino has introduced himself to Cardinals fans, and will hopefully be a office of the Cardinals plans in future years.
Ottavino is more than a good prospect, he is a dependable person. After receiving his signing bonus as a start-round selection in 2006, he used his signing bonus to assist repay his scholarship at Northwestern University.
Hopefully, the Cardinals can count on the same type of dependability from Ottavino in the future. He made his debut on the road at Wrigley Field, and for a rookie, was impressive, giving up 4 runs in v.two innings. Pretty expert for a player making his major league debut smack in one of baseball'south all-time rivalries.
Ottavino still has much room to improve. His 3.97 ERA with Memphis isn't what the Cardinals expected when they drafted him at the finish of the first round, and his 8.46 marker with the big social club tin can definitely exist improved.
For now, Ottavino is a Cardinal. Don't expect him to break campsite with the Redbirds adjacent year, but he'll probably come across some time in the majors.
Final Grade: C-
Matt Pagnozzi
Doug Benc/Getty Images
Key Stats: .359/.405/.487, 1 60 minutes, 10 RBI
If there was whatever member of the system who emerged in 2010, it was Matt Pagnozzi.
Subsequently batting .242 with Memphis for a large chunk of the season, nearly compared Pagnozzi to his uncle, Tom, who endeared himself with Cardinals nation by playing his entire 12-twelvemonth career here.
The similarities are there. Tom won three Gold Gloves and fabricated an All-Star Game despite a career batting average of .253. Matt, nonetheless, might been even more of an extreme through his major league career.
Through eight years of small league ball, Pagnozzi has a lifetime boilerplate of .214, nonetheless his defensive prowess has enabled him to advance all the way through the farm organization, getting his first striking this yr.
For a actor who was expected to be anemic offensively, Pagnozzi sure made an impression with his bat.
With starter Yadier Molina on the DL, Pagnozzi got a majority of the remaining starts, and but tore the embrace off the ball, getting 14 hits in just 15 games.
With Jason LaRue retiring, the Cardinals will have an opening for a backup to Molina. If the Cardinals choose to stay in house, Pagnozzi has to have put himself on the short list for favorites.
Concluding Form: A-
Albert Pujols
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: .312/.414/.596, *42 HR, 118 RBI*, fourteen SB, *115 R*, 350 TB, 103 BB, *82 XBH*
Merely reading the stat line to a higher place can requite you lot a pretty good idea of what Albert ways to the Cardinals.
He led the Cardinals in every single offensive category possible, fifty-fifty stolen bases. He even led the league in several categories, of which I have listed just a few. For the sixth direct yr, he led the National League in War, equaled only by three players, Infant Ruth, Rogers Hornsby, and Willie Mays.
Of class, Albert is a great offensive player. What separates him from the balance of the league however, is his defense. With another fine defensive season, Pujols moved to eighth amidst active players in Defensive WAR.
To further cement this is the fact that Pujols is the only 30-year old in the meridian 15, and ane of only iv players in the top 50 who've spent the majority of their careers at showtime base. He is simply a revolutionary fielder at first base. The only actor who comes close to equaling him is Todd Helton, and it has taken Helton seven years longer to primary his craft.
Of class, the major story of this offseason is whether or not Pujols will sign an extension that would keep him a Cardinal for life. It'south more likely that he will than he won't, and I can't see the Cardinals non resigning him. When yous have a player who could be the greatest role player ever, money is not an issue.
Truth is, I've oft philosophised about life with and without Pujols. I won't run you lot through my own theories, only I pose all Cardinals fans this question: Would you lot rather have Pujols, an all-time dandy, for life, or win another Earth Serial during his career?
It'south possible that both could happen, but I know which one is more valuable to me.
Final Grade: A+
Brad Penny
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Cardinal Stats: three-4, 3.23 ERA, 1.293 WHIP, 35 K
Brad Penny came into the season facing a myriad of questions. Somehow, he exits leaving fifty-fifty more than mystery in his wake.
Although Penny started off the season as a Cy Young candidate, going iii-0, with a 0.95 ERA. He looked like the missing piece to the puzzle, the third starter the Cardinals were badly seeking to complement their two aces.
From there, things went downhill, as Penny lost his adjacent 4 starts, and his ERA steadily rose to 2.73, culminating in an ugly showtime against the Reds.
In his final start of the year, Penny saw everything get haywire. He immune 4 runs in 3 innings, notwithstanding somehow was in line for the win when he came to the plate against quondam Cardinal Joel Piñeiro in the bottom of the third.
With the bases loaded, Penny got a pitch to hit, and didn't miss. He deposited Piñeiro'southward first pitch into the outfield bleachers.
After straining an oblique during that game-winning grand slam, Penny didn't throw another pitch for the residuum of the twelvemonth.
Realistically, Penny had probably already aggravated his oblique before the homer. He showed signs of pain in the Cincinnati start, and mayhap it'due south improve than the Cardinals establish out about it then rather than later.
Penny probably won't be back with the 2011 Cardinals, and with his recent injury problem, he could have a hard time getting any sort of raise this offseason.
Final Grade: B
Colby Rasmus
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Key Stats: .276/.361/.498, 23 HR, 66 RBI, 12 SB
Amongst rumors that he wished to be traded, Colby Rasmus managed to continue his development as a hereafter All-Star, raising his on-base percentage by nearly 50 points. Rasmus also got loose on the bases, swiping 12 bags. His developing combination of power and speed has some comparing him to a young Andre Dawson or Bobby Bonds, both of whom went on to very successful careers.
If Rasmus keeps it up, he could find himself on a very like career path. At the young historic period of 23, Colby already has 39 homers, only 2 behind Bonds's stride, and four behind Dawson's.
The only place where Rasmus regressed is his defense force, which went from spectacular to so-so. In 2009, he led the league in errors by a centerfielder as a rookie, but also led the league in Total Zone Runs, which, at the historic period of 22, was extremely impressive.
However, this year he led the league in errors once once more, but his 1.vii War, adept for 7th in the league in 2009, dropped to -0.ix. In fact, the only stat that didn't drop was his fielding percent, which is condign less valued every season.
On another annotation, anyone who believes Rasmus is going to be traded is, in the case of Cardinals fan, happily mistaken.
All they've got to exercise is read this quote by Rasmus himself, on the rumor he asked for a trade:
"I never did that," Rasmus said. "I don't know where that's coming from. I just desire to play baseball and accept fun. ….I beloved being here. I beloved the fans. I'm moving forward and simply trying to play hard and I'm happy we won today."
Or, from John Mozeliak:
"A lot of times players, out of frustration or for whatever reason, may get into a meeting and come out saying some things they may regret," Mozeliak said. "Simply a lot of times, you lot have to understand, these things never get out at that place. In this particular case, it's been festering for a while. But I tin assure you, Colby'southward not going to be traded. I can also assure y'all that some of the things he'south dealing with are typical growing pains that young players become through. When I look at the talent he brings to the table, and when I think about how I could supplant that, I realize that would be a very difficult chore ahead."
Assuming Colby continues to develop, don't be surprised when he makes his starting time All Star Game next summer. We could meet a 35-homer season out of him one day. The future is very bright, and the Cardinals should make sure that Rasmus spends information technology in St. Louis.
Concluding Grade: B+
Dennys Reyes
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Key Stats: three-i, 3.55 ERA, ane.447 WHIP, 25 K
For much of the past decade, Dennys Reyes has been one of baseball game'southward near underrated relief pitchers. Playing for xi different teams since entering the league with the Reds in 1997, Reyes has been a primary of left-handed specialists, belongings lefties to a .238 average.
In 2006, Reyes reached his peak, posting a 0.89 ERA with Minnesota, only allowing a .148 average to lefties.
And then it wasn't a surprise when the Cardinals, starved for left-handed relief, added Reyes and Trever Miller in 2009. Neither player disappointed, posting iii.29 and two.06 ERAs, respectively. Management brought both back for the 2010 flavor.
Although Reyes had the lower ERA, in my opinion, it was Miller who has a meliorate take a chance of returning for the 2011 squad. Unless Miller retires, which at the age of 37 is totally possible, he should be the more than sought-after thespian.
Despite the difference in ERAs, Miller had a lower WHIP, one of the nearly of import statistics for lefty specialists, who may but come in to confront i or ii batters. Reyes also allowed one more walk per ix innings than Miller, as well. In fact, Reyes walked at least 1 batter in nearly a third of his appearances.
I'll be surprised if the Cardinals bring him back in 'xi, just if he regains his 2006 form, information technology would be quite a pleasant surprise.
Terminal Course: C-
Brendan Ryan
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Central Stats: .223/.279/.294, 2 60 minutes, 36 RBI
Afterward a surprising 2009 campaign in which he batted .292 and gained the starting role at shortstop, Brendan Ryan'southward 2010 flavour was disappointing offensively, merely once once again stellar defensively.
On the offensive side, both his batting average and on-base of operations percentage dropped past at least 70 points, and his slugging percentage dropped over 100. His surprising 3.4 State of war in 2009 dropped to 0.nine, and nearly of that was from defensive ability.
On the defensive side of the brawl, Ryan was spectacular, as expected. While his .292 boilerplate was unexpected in 2009, his 5.41 range factor was not. The Cardinals have long known that Ryan possesses all of the tools to fence for a Gilded Glover at short, and this yr was no exception.
Although his range gene and fielding percent dropped, as well equally his defensive WAR, he however led the National League in assists and led all infielders in Total Zone Runs, with 15. His defensive War (1.half-dozen) was tied for fifth in the league. To top it all off, even though his range gene dropped by nearly .4, information technology was all the same second in the league, just behind Troy Tulowitzki.
Although the Cardinals are looking for an offensive upgrade in the infield, information technology seems more than likely that it will be made at 2d than short. For now, Ryan'due south defense keeps his job condom.
Final Grade: C+
Fernando Salas
Doug Benc/Getty Images
Key Stats: 0-0, 3.52 ERA, 1.402 WHIP, 29 Thousand
After a stiff flavor as closer with Triple-A Memphis that saw the young Mexican native post a sub-one.000 WHIP, Fernando Salas made his major league debut this twelvemonth at the age of 25.
Subsequently impressive strikeout numbers in 2008 and early this season, Salas continued that pace in the bigs, striking out eight.5 batters per 9 innings.
Tony LaRussa was very prudent with the immature fireballer, only bringing him in for 27 games.
There'south a bit that Salas can improve on, start with his 1.2 Hr/9. If he wants to be a major league reliever, he has to cut down on the long ball.
Salas is the wild card of the 2011 Cardinals. Very little is known nigh his future. Depending on what type of jump he has, he could be dorsum with the Cardinals to first the year, or could get connected seasoning in Memphis as the closer.
Final Grade: B
Skip Schumaker
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Key Stats: .265/.328/.338, v 60 minutes, 42 RBI
It was the best of times, information technology was the worst of times.
- opening line of Charles Dickens's "A Tale of Two Cities"
For Cardinals 2d baseman Skip Schumaker 2010 was a tale of two seasons.
Schumaker started off poorly, batting .212 in April/March, leading Sports Illustrated's Joe Posnanski to proper name him i of baseball game'southward worst everyday players, placing him in the unpleasant territory of Yuniesky Betancourt.
In May, he raised the number to .271, and stepped it up to 2009 form in June, batting .311. Through the break Schumaker held a .255, which wasn't exactly the iii directly seasons of .300+ he'd had from 2008-10, but information technology at least kept him out of Yuniesky Betancourt territory.
Schumaker came out of the break similarly slowly, batting .246 in July, but recovered much more quickly, batting .303 in August, before finishing the flavor upwards with a .255 average in September/October.
Got all that? If yous accept a reckoner handy (or read Schumaker'southward stat line), y'all might be able to figure out that adds up to a .265 batting average on the twelvemonth.
Through the whole season, Schumaker but did one affair extremely poorly - hitting, or rather tried, to hit lefties. Skip was 16-for-76 confronting lefthanders, adding up to a .211 average. His disability to hit lefties has long been a source of ire for Cardinals fans, but it may have finally reached its nadir.
Trade rumors have linked the Redbirds to Marlins' 2d baseman Dan Uggla, one of the game's premier hitters. Although the Cardinals aren't favored to learn Uggla, don't exist surprised if the Redbirds make some sort of move to upgrade the second base position, leaving Jared Michael Schumaker as only an extra piece to the puzzle.
Final Class: C-
Nick Stavinoha
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Cardinal Stats: .256/.286/.339, 2 Hour, 9 RBI
Now 28 years onetime, Nick Stavinoha may have finally gained some sort of certainty in his role with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Playing in a career-high 76 games this flavour, Stavinoha showed some of his trademark power off of the demote, also every bit providing one of the highlights of the Cardinals season.
Permit me to set the phase: Colby Rasmus has just fatigued a walk in the Cardinals' fourth game of the flavour, confronting the Brewers. Both teams are 2-1, and Milwaukee leads 4-iii. Futurity Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman is on the mound, and there are two outs in the top of the 9th.
I listened forth as Mike Shannon excitedly called one of the near thrilling dwelling house runs of the season, as Stavinoha launched the next seat into the left field bleachers.
Later batting .390 this year in Triple-A, it's clear that Stavinoha has mastered minor league pitching. Side by side season volition exist his run a risk to testify that he deserves a spot on the demote, and is more than simply a "Quadruple-A" blazon of player.
Final Grade: B-
Jeff Suppan
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Fundamental Stats: 3-vi, iii.84 ERA, i.493 ERA, 33 One thousand
Subsequently being released by the Milwaukee Brewers, Jeff Suppan found release of his own this flavour in St. Louis.
With Milwaukee, Suppan was dreadful. His vii.84 ERA was one of the worst in the league, and by May, he had been relegated to relief duty. Even and then, he wasn't able to succeed. During May, he had a half dozen.46 ERA, and after another dreadful outing confronting the Cardinals on June 6, the Brewers cut ties with Suppan.
The Cardinals picked him upwards, and from then on, he was a different bullpen. His ERA was a total three runs lower, and he managed to cease of the season on a very loftier note, pitching six shutout innings against the Rockies.
Although the Cardinals probably won't offer Suppan a contract, his surprising turnaround could internet him a deal elsewhere.
Final Form: C
Adam Wainwright
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
Key Stats: 20-11, ii.42 ERA, one.051 WHIP, 213 K
A year after leading the league in innings pitched and wins, as well as games started and batters faced, Adam Wainwright bested even himself, setting new career bests in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and WHIP, throwing his proper noun near the summit of a crowded National League Cy Young race.
In fact, he became the pitching version of Albert Pujols, leading the Cardinals in well-nigh every statistical category, and even placing sixth overall in State of war.
At this bespeak, we all know that Adam Wainwright will return to bring together Chris Carpenter and Jaime Garcia to form one of the nigh vaunted rotations in baseball.
Right now, the only worry about Wainwright's hereafter is when a contract extension with St. Louis volition go worked out.
Final Form: A+
P.J. Walters
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Central Stats: 2-0, 6.00 ERA, 1.400 WHIP, 22 Yard
P.J. Walters was a spot starter this year for the Cardinals, spending most of his fourth dimension with Triple-A Memphis. He fabricated two starts in three stints with St. Louis. In his ii starts, Walters was 2-0 with an ERA of 3.94, and his ERA out of the bullpen was 7.20.
Despite this, he was very expert with Memphis, going 8-5 with an 3.81 ERA and WHIP of 1.252. He had his all-time season since 2007, which was split between Unmarried-A and Double-A. Obviously, there is enough of room for comeback.
Walters and his wife went through a horrible ordeal this past offseason when they lost their newborn daughter. She battled for her life for almost 2 months with heart, kidney and intestinal ailments before finally succumbing. Information technology's fair to say that P.J. had much heavier issues weighing on his mind this season than pitching.
I wish P.J. and Brittney the best in the futurity, and hopefully we see him up with next yr'south squad. At the immature historic period of 25, he could exist a long reliever for Cardinal teams of the future.
Final Course: C-
Jake Westbrook
Bob Levey/Getty Images
Cardinal Stats: 4-iv, 3.48 ERA, 1.253 WHIP, 55 K
Requite John Mozeliak credit. Although moving Ryan Ludwick is one of the most disenheartening moves of the decade, information technology did bring the Redbirds workhorse Jake Westbrook.
Afterward coming to St. Louis, Westbrook bested his career highs in One thousand/9, K/BB, H/9, BB/9, and WHIP, meanwhile becoming i of the superlative groundball pitchers in baseball nether the tutelage of Dave Duncan.
In fact, afterward moving to the National League, Westbrook became 1 of the league'due south summit groundball pitchers. If he had enough innings to qualify, his amazing 62.viii% ground ball rate would've been second in the league. Only Atlanta'due south Tim Hudson was better.
Westbrook's abilities shone in St. Louis, and both side have expressed mutual interest in Jake returning on a multi-year deal. If he does come up dorsum, the move to acquire him seems that much amend in hindsight.
Concluding Grade: A-
Randy Winn
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Primal Stats: .250/.311/.382, 3 Hr, 17 RBI, 5 SB
Although 2010 was a disappointing flavour for the Cardinals, the most disappointed man on the team should be Randy Winn, and with adept reason.
Winn entered and exited the season as the leader in games played without having ever reached the postseason (one,717), simply things looked up for Randy. Later on all, he had just signed a deal with the World Champion New York Yankees.
The deal was met with much criticism from Yankees faithful, and Winn struggled under the immense pressure level of the Large Apple, batting just .213, before the Yankees decided to cutting him.
Non a problem for Winn, though. He signed with the Cardinals, who were an absolute lock to win their partition. Right?
We all now how that turned out.
Things were fabricated even worse for Winn when the 2d, third, and fourth players on the dubious list I mentioned before, Michael Immature (ane,508) Aubrey Huff (one,479), and Mike Sweeney (1,454), respectively, all made the playoffs while Winn sat home.
Information technology's really unlikely that Winn will return for 2011, with Allen Craig and Jon Jay both looking for major league jobs. He'll probably continue his quest for the playoffs elsewhere.
Last Grade: C+
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Source: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/459506-final-grades-every-2010-st-louis-cardinal-player-coach-and-more
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