St. Louis Cardinals’ bullpen hold the key for success – MLB News
The St. Louis Cardinals’ manager Mike Matheny maintains that the team’s bullpen has put on an extraordinary show in the recent past. However, it is tough to choose the right player for the bullpen, as he also believes that there is flexibility for the position
of closer, allowing everyone to fight for that place.
"[It's a] healthy competition," Matheny said. "It has some flexibility once again to where these guys are going to have to fight for that position. With what was done in the postseason, which just completely impressed most people, with what that young bullpen
was able to do, they have a lot of confidence going forward and also a lot of challenges to keep the spots that they've had."
The Cardinals heavily relied upon the bullpen last season to steal the World Series away from the Texas Rangers. Jason Motte was one of the strong closers that brought about unlikely wins for the club.
While the team successfully avoided arbitration last month, Motte alone cannot be in the saddle for long. He will certainly need some strong support from fellow players. As desirable as the position is, Motte does need some backing there.
Those who the St. Louis Cardinals can bring to the bullpen include Kyle McClellan, Fernando Salas, Mitchell Boggs, Lance Lynn and Eduardo Sanchez. But given the vulnerability of the closers, there has to be a consistent performance by all of the aforementioned
players.
The consistency, it goes without saying, comes with the chances a player gets. A look at last year’s stats shows that Motte was tasked with taking care of the position more than any other player in the bullpen. He managed to put in a satisfactory performance
whenever he was given the chance.
Nonetheless, the St. Louis Cardinals who are otherwise known for having a well-built offence, also rely on the bullpen. Therefore, a lot of players are hoping to get a chance in the regular season.
Jason Motte is willing to take up the role and do his best here. "In this game, it doesn't matter what they call you," he said. "It's what you do out there on the field. I don't look at it any differently."
While he will be key for the team’s success in the upcoming 2012 Major League Baseball regular season, others will be equally important for the Cardinals. Those who might be elevated to this position are J. C. Romero and Marc Rzepczynski.
The club that has constantly looked for the depth is indeed supplied with steady unfailing starters. It is all about strengthening the bullpen to the required amount so as to take up the challenge with more confidence in the season that is right around the
corner.
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