Comments on: Probable Starters – 5/8/12

By: Oliver

Oliver — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:06:37 +0000

A lot can happen to open up space on the 40-man (60 day DL, trades, and so on), but didn’t they already open a slot when Komatsu got released?

By: zuke354

zuke354 — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:26:05 +0000

to be on the roster, he would have to be added before september. Also, who do you envision coming off the 40 man to put him on?

i think under normal situation, you might be right. however, the cards have so many good prospects I think that wong and miller would be added before they put Taverez on there. With Robinson, Jay, Beltran and chambers, I think they would look in a different direction first.

By: Oliver

Oliver — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:03:43 +0000

I should know this, but is Edmonds coaching for a specific team? I was under the impression that his role was a little amorphous, perhaps as a consultant, perhaps a roving instructor.

By: Oliver

Oliver — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:58:52 +0000

Right now, I’m only expecting a September call-up. If the team wants him on the playoff roster and he keeps mashing while showing improved plate discipline, he’d make a pretty incredible fourth OF/pinch-hitter. If the glove comes along enough to establish himself as a legit CF, he just might be ready to do a lot more. Realistically, mediocre performance by Jay or the need for days off by the veteran corner OFs are the only likely avenues to starts before 2014. His bat might force that issue.
I know Holliday’s glove puts the pressure on the Cards to get plus defense from the CF. I don’t think Beltran’s range is as much of a question mark. The conventional wisdom is that Taveras won’t stick in center, but he’s young and has improved his game every step of the way. I trust that the Cardinals are going to do what they can to help make him at least an average defensive CF. Having not had a chance to watch him in person, my biggest question is does he have the instinct/reaction time to read the ball off the bat and does he take good routes?

By: Lou Schuler

Lou Schuler — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:46:39 +0000

I love how an inning in which he gave up 2 runs but struck out the side is described as “disastrous.” I’ll bet a lot of pitchers would be happy if their worst meltdowns ended w. 3 Ks and just 2 ER.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:38:56 +0000

To address your query, DT, I say put Taveras wherever he’ll get the best CF coaching, plain and simple.

He’s already one of the best 25-30 hitters in human being baseball. Period. So get Jimmy Ballgame to instruct him re: routes & pre-pitch positioning.

By: DT Flush

DT Flush — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:24:36 +0000

Maness continues his walk streak with 6 solid innings tonight but surrenders 5 ER..

By: DT Flush

DT Flush — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:10:09 +0000

I could see him staying the entire year. Needs more experience learning the strike zone needs to learn more about base running. Really good talent though.

By: solar pons

solar pons — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:38:35 +0000

Not sure if OT should stay at AA the entire yr or move on to AAA. I guess it would depend on his other baseball skills, sure look like he will not have trouble hitting at this level.

By: T-Bird

T-Bird — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:37:11 +0000

I do not want to say there is no need to “rush” Taveras, because I do not think an ETA of 2013 for Taveras seems unreasonable based on his performance so far. However, because Beltran is under contract through 2013, the organization is in a pretty good position. (Not to metion Allen Craig/Matt Adams/Lance Berkman situation). I think Taveras will stay in AA for the majority of this year. Next year he will be in AAA working on his “base running/fielding.”

In my opinion, Taveras is ready for primetime sometime this year, or at least 2013; however, if there is no room, there is no room. In 2014, Taveras will be 21 to start the year. There will be plenty of time to witness a few of these:

http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=21040899