September 14, 2006
Cardinals Rotation
Joe Strauss uses Jason Marquis' poor outing yesterday to point out the lack of depth in the Cardinals rotation as they head for the playoffs.
Bench coach Joe Pettini stood in for manager Tony La Russa at the postgame press conference as La Russa received a police escort to the airport, where he took a flight home for the regular season's final off day. Asked about the club's search for its third postseason starter, Pettini deferred.
"That's for Tony and (pitching coach Dave) Duncan," Pettini said. "Jason has been here for three years. He knows what it takes. We know he has the stuff to get guys out. He's one of the five guys we're going to use."
The choice involves Marquis and Jeff Weaver. Marquis (14-15) has compiled a 5.82 ERA and allowed 33 home runs in 31 starts covering 187 innings. Lefthanded hitters have treated Weaver like a piƱata, reaching him for a .385 average and 12 home runs. Bypassed for last season's postseason rotation, Marquis assumes nothing this time around.
I guess it's too late to ask Adam Wainwright to step into the rotation. Still, Carpenter is great. Suppan is okay. In any playoff series, you need to count on those two for three wins. Weaver and Marquis pitch well often enough that luck could get them a win in one of two starts. Carpenter winning two in all the series is the key.
Purchase NLDS tickets.
Posted by David Pinto at
08:41 AM
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