Reyes looking good for starting rotation

[lazypenguin]

Source

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) - Right-hander Anthony Reyes continues to strengthen his hold on his spot in the St. Louis Cardinals rotation.

Reyes turned in his second consecutive strong outing on Friday in a 4-1 victory over the Florida Marlins, allowing only one hit - Jason Wood's solo homer - in 3 2-3 innings. He struck out four and did not issue a walk.

“I thought he did a good job,” manager Tony La Russa said. “One guy popped a fastball. He threw some good breaking balls, excellent change-up. He had a nice assortment and was aggressive with everything.”

Reyes has pitched 5 2-3 innings in two starts this spring, allowing one hit and one run.

Albert Pujols hit two RBI doubles for the Cardinals off Marlins starter Scott Olsen, who allowed two runs on six hits in 3 2-3 innings.

The Marlins had just four hits and are now hitting .206 in the spring.

Right-hander Brad Thompson followed Reyes with his second solid appearance, which could make him the top candidate to replace Josh Kinney as the team's setup man. Thompson allowed two hits and struck out three in 3 1-3 innings and has not allowed a run in 6 1-3 innings.

Kinney, who emerged in the role during last season's playoffs, will have season-ending surgery to replace a ligament in his pitching arm.

Whatever his role, Thompson has assured himself of a roster spot.

“I don't think we're going to be afforded the luxury of Thompson not being on our club,” pitching coach Dave Duncan said.

Thompson allowed two hits and struck out three in 3 1/3 innings. He has not allowed a run in 6 1/3 innings.

“I feel like I can pitch in any kind of role and I could end up anywhere,” Thompson said.

Although Olsen's spring ERA is a hefty 5.87, he's pleased with his progress, especially as he develops a change-up.

“The change-up can make or break you,” said Olsen, who relied on his fastball and slider in his rookie year. “You really need a third pitch to be a successful starter. To go out and win 18 games, you need three pitches.”

Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen, meanwhile, was pleased with his 19 pitches against live batters on a back field Friday.

“It was a lot better than it was the other day, controlwise,” Isringhausen said. “The first time facing batters, I got a little antsy.” Isringhausen underwent hip surgery in September. The Cardinals hope to get him into a spring training game by the end of next week.

[cabby7588]

Source

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) - Right-hander Anthony Reyes continues to strengthen his hold on his spot in the St. Louis Cardinals rotation.

Reyes turned in his second consecutive strong outing on Friday in a 4-1 victory over the Florida Marlins, allowing only one hit - Jason Wood's solo homer - in 3 2-3 innings. He struck out four and did not issue a walk.

“I thought he did a good job,” manager Tony La Russa said. “One guy popped a fastball. He threw some good breaking balls, excellent change-up. He had a nice assortment and was aggressive with everything.”

Reyes has pitched 5 2-3 innings in two starts this spring, allowing one hit and one run.

Albert Pujols hit two RBI doubles for the Cardinals off Marlins starter Scott Olsen, who allowed two runs on six hits in 3 2-3 innings.

The Marlins had just four hits and are now hitting .206 in the spring.

Right-hander Brad Thompson followed Reyes with his second solid appearance, which could make him the top candidate to replace Josh Kinney as the team's setup man. Thompson allowed two hits and struck out three in 3 1-3 innings and has not allowed a run in 6 1-3 innings.

Kinney, who emerged in the role during last season's playoffs, will have season-ending surgery to replace a ligament in his pitching arm.

Whatever his role, Thompson has assured himself of a roster spot.

“I don't think we're going to be afforded the luxury of Thompson not being on our club,” pitching coach Dave Duncan said.

Thompson allowed two hits and struck out three in 3 1/3 innings. He has not allowed a run in 6 1/3 innings.

“I feel like I can pitch in any kind of role and I could end up anywhere,” Thompson said.

Although Olsen's spring ERA is a hefty 5.87, he's pleased with his progress, especially as he develops a change-up.

“The change-up can make or break you,” said Olsen, who relied on his fastball and slider in his rookie year. “You really need a third pitch to be a successful starter. To go out and win 18 games, you need three pitches.”

Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen, meanwhile, was pleased with his 19 pitches against live batters on a back field Friday.

“It was a lot better than it was the other day, controlwise,” Isringhausen said. “The first time facing batters, I got a little antsy.” Isringhausen underwent hip surgery in September. The Cardinals hope to get him into a spring training game by the end of next week.

Good to hear Thompson is penciled in...I hope he has a decent role with the team this year, unlike last year.