St. Louis Cardinals’ Kyle McClellan focused on training – MLB News
With the commencement of Spring Training, the competition is gradually building-up in the St. Louis Cardinals’ camp. Kyle McClellan, one of the pitchers affiliated to the Cardinals, commented on Tuesday, February 21 and alluded to this fact, saying there
were six relievers for five spots.
"We made it to Day 1," joked McClellan. "I'm sure all spring there's going to be talk, since we have six [relievers] for five spots. My job is to tune it out and come in and make sure that my name is in the discussion about being one of the guys going north."
In the presence of powerful pitchers, each with a bag of experience, the Cardinals undeniably have a strong pitching line-up. It is this fact that adds to the competition, making it tough for many players to retain their position.
The 27-year-old pitcher currently has three years of his contract prior to becoming a free-agent. Nonetheless, there is no certainty as to what future holds for him if the St. Louis Cardinals spot a player appealing enough in terms of talent and affordable
finances.
For the player, however, the St. Louis Cardinals remain the best option.
"That's the business side of it, where they think if they can find someone to do your job cheaper, they're going to do it," McClellan said. "In my mind, obviously this is the best situation for me being from St. Louis and playing in my hometown.”
For 2012, McClellan has far more serious considerations. He has to be mentally and physically prepared for a reliever’s role irrespective of what transpires on the trade front. With the career ERA of 3.61 to his credit in 245 games, the hurler has so far
had 17 starts in 245 games.
Part of the reason why had to go for the starts the past year was due largely to Adam Wainwright season ending injury. It was then that McClellan was brought in to replace the ace pitcher of the Cardinals. He had a total of 43 appearances, having had 12
wins with 4.19 ERA to his credit.
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