I think the stat that matters the most to Duncan and TLR is Reyes’ groundball/flyball ratio. That’s always been their system - lure batters into grounding a cut fastball to one of the infielders. It’s like Pitching Socialism - check all individual talents and aspirations at the door. With an infield of Glaus, Izturis, and Miles do we seriously want to induce ground balls?

I would like to see Reyes developed as a pitcher, not a cog in a machine. If that isn’t going to happen, do him a favor and trade/release him.

Well PW, I’ve noticed the Cardinals have had quite a bit of success with the ground ball/fly ball theory in the years past and if they think the current infield can play that game, their previous success gives them the right to give it a chance. I don’t notice any of the other pitchers complaining about pitching to ground balls and before Carpenter or Mulder had their physical problems, they apparently didn’t consider themselves as cogs in a machine. Reyes problems wasn’t caused by Duncan or La Russa. He needs only to look at himself for that.

I’m not questioning their system. It has been successful. I’m looking at this from Reyes’ point of view. He has to be looking out for himself too. He sees the kind of contracts that even marginal starters are commanding right now. He also sees the lack of success that Cards pitchers have when they move on to other teams. By restricting himself to a system and, for example, not honing his “out” pitch, he is limiting the teams that may be interested in him in the future.