Reality wake up call is rude truth of the matter

May 18, 2009 | Clark | Comments 3

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Todd Wellemeyer

April began with a troubled bull pen and a offensive display that was most impressive.  The starting pitching was good with a few exceptions and late April saw a very impressive stretch of baseball that had Cardinal fans thinking this team was going to leave the rest of the central in the dust.

Then the May showers came.  The bull pen has been good, the offense and starting pitching have sputtered and the team is now in third place, two games behind the Brewers – what the hell?  It’s baseball and a quick wake up call for those of us with illusions of grandeur.  And don’t forget about the Reds and Astros folks…

The feel good stories of Barden and Thurston feel more like players that have been over exposed, although one might ask why after winning rookie of the month, Barden only had seven at bats during the last road trip?  Don’t get we wrong, I still like both, but they’re not everyday players.  K. Greene’s struggles have led to more playing time for first round pick T. Greene and perhaps even B. Ryan.  K. Greene’s huge year is looking more and more like a career offering and his defense has been less than advertised this year.  I like that Tony is seeing what the kids can do, but wonder what a player like Christian Guzman would look like wearing red?

Now one must point to the fact that losing Ludwick and Ankiel will/has led to some of the offensive woes, but really, Ludwick was the only one hitting.  Getting Ludwick back in the lineup will be a huge boost, but it still needs another power stick.  Duncan could be that stick, but the power is noticeably absent.  Personally, before a trade is made, I’d like to see what Brett Wallace can do at this level.  Can it really be any worse than what we’re currently getting from Thurston/Barden?  Chances are Wallace will struggle at first, but there are only a handful of prospects we see every so many years that handle the initial transition.  Pujols never looked back, Colby’s doing ok.  Let’s also remember Wallace went from college ball to AA in less than a year, and did more than fine.  If it doesn’t work, he’s humbled and sent back down to work on it.  But if he does…the offense looks much different.  If Glaus is able to come back, work him in and even better.

The starting pitching is a different matter.  Wainwright should be ok, I’ll hold my breathe every time Carp goes out and Lohse will be fine, if not what a #3 should be.  The questions surrounding Wellemeyer and Pineiro are greater.  Wellemeyer sports a 5.87 era and Pineiro is hovering around a low 4.17.  I’m not advocating a move here, but Wellemeyer has to be better than his seven walks yesterday and Pineiro seems to be trending down after riding his World Baseball Classic issues (I’m not going to call it a snub because the guys that took the rotation spots were better).

Again, I’m not saying we need to go sign Pedro, but if a few things don’t get sorted out in May and no moves are made, things will be interesting.  I’ve resigned myself to the fact that this team will hang around and hopefully be in a position to make one of those famous Tony September runs – let’s just hope we’re close enough.

Clark

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