Boy, I’m trying to do the math in my head but these moves make it look like Kelvin Jiminez is going to be one of the RHP in the bullpen. That’s less than inspiring.

It sure would be nice to replace him with one of the 3 RHP relievers we have in the starting rotation but that would be too much to expect.

The whole rotation mess still leaves a foul taste in my mouth. Here’s an idea for LaRussa: Piggyback Thompson and Wellemeyer. Wellemeyer can only go 4, maybe 5 innings, so have Thompson come in for the ’second half’ of the game to replace him. Then you can put Reyes back in the rotation.

I hope the organization has seen that the Nationals couldn’t find anyone willing to trade for Johnson or that the Brewers couldn’t find anyone willing to trade for Vargas and understand that nothing short of just ‘dumping’ Anthony Reyes would be a bad move to trade him at this point.

Kelvin Jiminez has added a pretty good looking changeup to his repetoire. He’s looked pretty good so far.

All this talk about Reyes is starting to sound really stupid. The guy was 2-14 last year with a 6+ ERA. It’s time to move on and think about WINNING again. It’s not like he never got a chance.

You forget about RonVillone and ISringhausen. Jimenez is going along to let those guys rest. He won’t be with the club come Monday. Don’t sweat it!

As for Reyes, this kid is a classic Jekyll and Hyde. Ya never know what you get from him day to day, and inning to inning.

I think it’s a good move by the Cards to put Perez in AAA. He will have his day in the sun soon enough, but he’s got to iron out some control problems and maintain his regular innings.

The people hating on Reyes…..This kid has had to put up with learning new pitches every year to satisfy Duncan. Sounds like Duncan is just making up new things each year to make sure the kid NEVER has a chance. People that hate on Reyes hated on Haren and how did that turn out? If we trade this kid….in 2 yrs he will be as good as Haren and these same people will be cursing Dewitt for letting him get away once again. I agree he needs an out pitch but he HAS pitched well this spring and MUCH better than Looper. Keep him in Memphis until either Looper or Wellemyer show they can’t get it done and then replace them.

To criticize his game is not to “hate on Reyes”– It’s hasn’t been “learning new pitches” that sinks Reyes– it’s his insistence that he’s a power pitcher when he rarely touches 90– that may be a power pitcher in college– but it isn’t in the bigs. Haren and Reyes are two very different pitchers– Haren can actually touch 95. I was very sorry to see Danny go AND I hope Anthony figures it out– but one game against the Nationals in Spring Training does not convince me.

Reyes has actually performed better this spring, on balance:

Reyes has 13 strikeouts and has given up only 3 walks, in 19 IP.
Wellemeyer has more walks than strikeouts, 11-10, in 20 IP.

Reyes also has an ERA of 3.32. Wellemeyer has an ERA of 4.05

I wholeheartedly endorse HL’s suggestion to have Wellemeyer and Thompson serve as a pitching duo in the SAME rotation slot, giving the other slot they filled to Reyes instead. The Miracle Mets won the NL pennant back in the 60’s with a combo like that in one of their starting pitching slots.

Don’t be surprised at all to see Reyes get a change to start at some point in the not-too-distant future. With the inherent weaknesses in the rotation (mediocre talent, multiple injuries), Anthony will have the opportunity to take the hill in the first inning.

Also, I would not be surprised if Barton replaced Duncan soon. Lil’ Dunc didn’t impress either last year or this spring, and he’s no lock to keep the starting job in left.

THE CARDS BETTER KEEP GONZO ON THE ROSTER IF THEY HAVE ANY HOPES THIS YEAR! IWTH PUJOLS GOING TO HAVE RECONSTFUCTIVE ELBOW SURGERY WHO ELSE WILL THEY RELY ON FOR OFFENSE????? KIND OF IRONIC THAT A FORMER PITCHER IS THEIR ONLY HOPE. OH WELL.