Choi seemed like an odd signing at the time, anyway. Like most people, I’d like to see them become more active in Asia, but this was never the move I was looking for.

Guesses on who will fill Choi’s spot in the Memphis’ bullpen?

Great news Cardinal fans; apparently our farm system is rich with pitching talent. How else to explain releasing a 21 year old lefty reliever; Matt Spade who had a 3.61 era in Quad Cities last year. In 52.1 innings he stuck out 48 and gave up only 44 hits. Seems decent enough! Jameson Maj, only 22, a control pitcher walked only 8 hitters in 61.1 innings between Bat and QC. A combined 4.12 era, 1.18 whip and k’d 56. Not bad either. 2008 draft picks Zach Pitts (age-22); 3.31 era at Bat with a 1.20 whip and Miguel Flores (age-21); 3.19 era and 1.17 whip in the GCL. Jose Mateo (age-22); 3.63 era at JC with 0 hrs allowed. Apparently we have an embarrassment of riches which is awesome, but puzzling at the same time when we keep a Gary Daley Jr. who last year pitched(?) mostly in the GLC. Here is his amazing line: 10.1IP, 15H, 32BB, 19WP, 28ER, 4.55WHIP and a 24.39ERA. In his 3 year career (how the heck did he last this long?) here are his very unimpressive stats: 159.1IP, 165H, 130BB, 38WP, 113ER, 1.87 WHIP and a 6.39ERA. This guy we keep around?! The question is; who is he related to?
Anyway, Cartie, Damon and Mikrut are no surprises. Why we picked up Haltiwanger in the first place is a mystery. His stats in KC were very underwhelming. As for Choi, 37 year old right-handed reliever that was a waste of time and money in the first place, but I guess Mo wanted the fans to think he was doing something.

eccard, It’s nice that you brought up the stats on these guys and all……but by no means do stats tell the entire story of why these guys were possibly released/retained. Sure the guy you mentioned, that we kept, has terrible stats……but maybe he’s a smart guy and good to keep around the young pitchers. Maybe the guys we released, none all too impressive, had bad attitudes or other issues. The asian player? Well you have to start somewhere to get the attention of the quality players over there. Taking an aged, likely respected, veteran and giving him a shot will help earn some respect for the organization in there eyes. Leading to a larger group of quality players being interested in signing with the Cardinals. But then again, everyone can just take the easy way out and make a back handed comment directed toward the thought of MO doing something just to make the fans think he’s trying……good lord, MO’s done a fine job with what he’s given.

It certainly is a mystery to some why Daley is still around, however I heard that the potential of his talent is way untapped. You only need to see his stuff to understand. Ask any of the coaches, even players that know and have seen how scarry good he is.
I think the Cardinals know what they are doing, and they are hoping that this is the year.
If it is the year Daley matures I’m very confident that you’ll understand there reasoning. Remember everything is not always as it seems with stats, although you do have fine ones.
Nobody wants anybody to not make it,the POTENTIAL of some however outways the play of others that can only go so far. If they are as good as you think another team will pick them up.

I wish uninformed fans would keep their armchair GM games to themselves.

Have you seen or even heard about how Gary Daley is pitching this Spring? There is simply no way he’s going to be cut. You heard it hear first; he’ll be a top-10 pitching prospect for the Cardinals by the end of the season.

Haltiwanger cost $50,000 to be selected in the Rule 5. He was no higher than A-ball in the Royals system and St. Louis took him in the AAA phase of the draft. The Royals don’t have to take him back and likely wouldn’t want to pay the $25,000 it would take to do so.