March 13, 2002 - Spring Training Report

By: James Meyerriecks
Date: March 13, 2002


LATEST TEAM INFO:

Several new faces were brought into camp in the offseason. Most notably, closer Jason Isringhausen and 1b Tino Martinez have had a large part in changing the complexion of this team. It appears that the other new face, Japanese import So Taguchi, will struglle to make the team.

Isringhausen has come over from Oakland as a Free Agent, leaving the team with 4 closers/former closers in the bullpen (Izzy, Steve Kline, Dave Veres, and Mike Timlin). Veres, in particular, should benefit from this move. He'll either be dealt to a team in search of a closer (see the Rumor Mill below) or be a primary setup man for the Cards. Having a defined role may be the key to his production, as the pressure seemed to get to him last year. Overall, the addition of Isringhausen will boost the strength of the bullpen, which should do a fantastic job of holding leads for the starters this season.

When Martinez arrived in camp, nobody would have guessed that he had any pressure on him to replace future Hall of Fame slugger Mark McGwire. He brought a winning, relaxed attitude with him from the Yankees, and his skills as a leader in the clubhouse should play a huge part in the Cards unseating the Astros as NL Central Champs this year. It may not show in the box scores, but Tino will be a huge reason this team could win 100 + games.

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:

There continues to be somewhat of an outcry about the proposed new stadium in St. Louis. Busch has provided many memorable moments over the years, and it'll be a shame to see it go. At last check, the Cardinals had threatened to move the team to East St. Louis, Illinois if the proposal isn't ratified, but many think that the threat is idle.

Many local fans are in support of hometown boy Kerry Robinson to play a larger role with the Cards this year. His speed and energy were vital down the stretch last season as the Cards pulled out the NL Wild Card. Robinson could be a decent fit in the currently vacant LF, but shouldn't strike too many fantasy owners as a viable option. He could hit .275 as a starter with 20 steals, but has little power to speak of, and would likely bat near the bottom of the order.

Position Battles:

The lineup appears set, with the exception of an everyday LF. Candidates for the LF job include Al Martin, So Taguchi, Placido Polanco, Eli Marrero, and Kerry Robinson. Polanco will likely be out because he's too valuable as a utility man to manager Tony Larussa. So Taguchi appears ready to go back to Japan. Al Martin's just another lefty in a lineup that's already overloaded with them. The only player to watch here from a fantasy perspective is Marrero. He's got decent power, decent speed, and will be eligible at Catcher for fantasy owners.

The other battle would be for the fifth spot in the rotation. RH Andy Benes will likely break camp as the #5, as his contract is too ridiculously large for the Cards to justify sending him to the minors again. Combine that with the fact that LH phenom Rick Ankiel looks like he's certainly not ready, and that Garrett Stephenson will likely be brought along slowly (see Matt Morris 2 years ago, and you'll know why), and the job seems to be Andy's to lose.

INJURIES:

Darryl Kile seems to be progressing nicely as he rehabs from shoulder surgery. He's made a simulated start so far, and is expected to make his first Spring Training start some time this week. Larussa will baby him a bit at first, probably limiting him to 75-90 pitches in April, and possibly letting him miss a start. He should break camp in the 5th slot, but he remains the co-#1 with Matt Morris. Don't be concerned, though. Kile has made 34 starts in each of the last 2 seasons, and hasn't made less than 32 starts in 6 years.

Rick Ankiel is skipping his second consecutive start of the Spring. He's still complaining about soreness in his pitching elbow after having been rocked in his first, and only, start by the Expos. It can't be helped but to think that maybe this is a little mental. He'll likely make another start or 2 this Spring, but don't expect him to break camp in the rotation. Expect him to be called up some time in May or June, as the Cards continue to try and let him get his head back.

J.D. Drew appears to be back and at full speed from the ankle injury that he'd aggravated. Keep an eye on him all year. If he's healthy, he'll be a stud OF, but he's never played more than 135 games.

RUMOR MILL:

Look for Veres to be shopped around a bit, possibly to the Dodgers or Orioles, who both seem to be pressing a bit to find a closer. The Cards are on the lookout for someone who can contribute this season in LF, and the team would probably be willing to deal Veres and a prospect for Brian Jordan.

Andy Benes will likely break camp as the #5 starter, possibly to be showcased a bit. His 6 million dollar salary would appear to make him untradeable, but someone might bite.

QUICK VIEW:

Add:

Darryl Kile (new) - Many will shy away from him early, so he may be available in the mid-rounds of your draft. He's a weak #1/strong #2 starter for most fantasy teams, so grab him if he's there in the 6th or 7th.

Woody Williams (new) - His stats from last year look like those of a #4 or #5 fantasy starter, but keep in mind that he went 7-1 with a 2.28 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP in 11 starts AFTER being traded to St. Louis. He's looked great this Spring, having given up only 1 run in 11 innings over his 3 starts.

Edgar Renteria (new) - Renteria will have dropped on many peoples' lists, having had an off year last year. Keep in mind that, prior to last season, most considered him the best SS in the NL. He's still young (26) and he has 20 homer power to go along with 40 steal speed. Throw in that he's a clutch hitter, and you could be looking at a .290 average and should reasonably expect 15 homers and 25 steals. Considering that he'll likely be available after the 10th round in most leagues, he’s a great option at short.

Eli Marrero (new) - Keep an eye on the LF spot. If Marrero wins it, he'll give you 4th OF numbers at the catcher slot, and is worth a late gamble.

Drop:

Andy Benes (new) - Even though he'll be in the rotation on opening day, he's not a viable starter on any fantasy team. He may work for the occasional day to day pickup in head to head leagues.

Bud Smith (new) - I never thought I'd say this, and the kid should NOT be dropped in any keeper league, or dropped at all really. He should be lowered on your draft board. Remember Barry Zito and his struggles at the start of last season? That had something to do with his second time through the league. He didn't adjust his stuff to deal with teams he faced, and they'd seen what he had before. Expect some rough patches to start the season for Bud, but he has the repertoire, the maturity, and outstanding control that will help him get through it. Look for a big second half from the kid, but don't expect him to break out of the gates fast.

Rick Ankiel (new) - Again, his situation always bears watching. Keep an eye on him down on the farm, where he'll likely start the season. When he's called up, this time it may be for good, and he'll be a #1 fantasy pitcher for years.

Correspondent's Note I:

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Sincerely,

James Meyerriecks

Cardinals & Royals Lead Correspondent