Bull***

Posted by JE Powell

Yes, I am afraid it has finally come to pass, those guys who follow the starting pitcher in a game have become a bad word to Cardinals fans. This is a family blog, but I feel I must use the word: Bullpen. I apologize to my readers if this word offends you, but it’s really the only word to use. I will try to soften the blow by using an asterisk Yes, the Cardinals bullp*n (the more you hear it, the easier it gets) is in a sorry shape right now and the Cardinals have started working on it by releasing Miguel Batista.

The weakness of the bullp*n really reared their ugly head on June 14th against the Washington Nationals. The Cards had a 6-2 lead going into the 7th inning and Jaime Garcia had been pitching well, only allowing 2 earned runs all game. Enter Miguel Batista. It was Batista’s job to hold the game like it was, but instead he gave up 5 runs, all earned, and let a 6-2 fall to a 7-6 deficit. The Trevor Miller entered and allowed another ER. Cards lose 8-6.

Then came June 21st, 2011, a day that will live in infamy (or at least will be some kind of trivia answer a few years down the road such as “When was the last time that Cardinals relievers gave up more than 8 runs in one inning?” or something like that). Just two days ago, the Cardinals bullpen gave up NINE earned runs in the 8th inning. Kyle McClellan had pitched exceptionally well, going toe to toe with Roy Halladay and not backing down. In fact, McClellan pitched a full seven innings and left the game with a 2-1 lead. That would evaporate into another no decision for a Cardinals starter. Trevor Miller started the 8th inning by giving up 2 ER and giving up the lead. He pitched 1/3 of an inning. Jason Motte relieved Miller and gave up 2 ER without recording an out. 5-2 Phillies. Brian Tallet then came in and allowed another run. 6-2 Phillies. Miguel Batista entered the game and allowed 3 ER without recording an out. 9-2 Phillies. Finally, Maikel Cleto entered and allowed one run, but finished out the inning and the game. Final score, 10-2 Phillies.

I would like to point out that Ryan Franklin did not appear in either game and, in my opinion, is now being used in the role of the white flag. What I mean to say is that it feels like Franklin only enters the game when the team is giving up. “We have no chane to come back, send in Franklin.” I was really frustrated with Franklin, but it feels like he has quickly become an afterthought in the bullp*n. And now, I must admit, I kind of feel bad for the guy. It’s really easy for fans to treat players like they aren’t humans, but players have feelings, too, and having a very forgiving fanbase booing you cannot feel very good.

So, what can the Cardinals do to fix the situation, at least for the remainder of the season? Well, releasing Batista was a start. Early in the season, Batista was pitching well and was even considered for the closers role. However, it seems like he has no control anymore and, in my opinion, it would be better to let a call up take over for him. Which it appears the Cards have by calling up Lance Lynn. So, since I am obviously a Cardinals fan and every Cards fan has a theory about what to do, here’s mine:

First, the Cards should find a way to get Heath Bell. I know that Bell is a prized commodity and he is one of the top reliever names out there, but hear me out. Bell is a good closer, and All-Star closer, and has been decent this year. He has 19 saves and a 2-3 record, but only a 2.70 ERA. Having him as the closer would allow the Cardinals to use Fernando Salas in the 8th as a set up guy (I know Salas has been doing well as the closer, but I feel that THIS SEASON he would be better suited as a set up guy the rest of the way and perhaps into the playoffs) and then Eduardo Sanchez, when he returns from the DL, could be used in the 7th inning. I think this would give stability in the 7th, 8th, and 9th.

The other move I would suggest, if it could be done, is for the Cardinals to get someone like Randy Choate from the Marlins. Choate has been piching exceptionally well this season against left handers and with the struggles of Miller and Tallet, I think this would be a good move. Depending on the price.

I think, overall, that Motte, Mitchell Boggs, and Maikel Cleto have done adequate jobs and are fine in their current roles. In my opinion, a couple of “small” moves could really make the Cards bullp*ns one of the better in the Central division.

The trade deadline is July 31st and it appears that the Cardinals are going to be active, so let’s hope they make the right moves, but, as the old cliche goes, only time will tell if the moves they do make are the right ones.