Starting pitching, health, and the middle infield are important questions for the Cardinals heading into the 2009 season, but no bigger question that doesn’t appear to have an answer yet is who will close ball games.
Yesterday, Jason Motte was called on to save the 5-2 win over the Tigers. Chris Perez, Josh Kinney and Ryan Franklin all have their arms in the race to become the closer.
Today, if the Cardinals have the opportunity to save a win against the Marlins, manager Tony LaRussa will go with either Perez or Kinney in that role. I talked with 101 ESPN’s Brian Feldman who is following the Cardinals in Jupiter.
We talked about the closer role and if any of those four has the inside track. My other top four questions. When does Troy Glaus return and is Joe Mather the guy at 3B? Can Skip Schumaker cut it a 2B? LaRussa has a long leash. Is Chris Carpenter mentally ready to return to the mound? My last question, is the team’s health a concern? Colby Rasmus has a hamstring issue. Rick Ankiel was bothered by a sore Achilles tendon, and Ryan Ludwick strained muscles taking extra BP…That’s only the entire projected opening day outfield!
Click to listen to my conversation with Brian.