The Cards DFA’d Josh Phelps and added 29 year old LHP Charlie Manning to the 40 man roster. A minor league journey man throughout his career up until recently, he’s been added to the team for one reason – in the minors he’s held lefties to a career .182 average and a 2.43 FIP. Last season for the Nationals Manning held lefties to a .203/.284/.392 line over 57 appearances. He doesn’t throw very hard, his Pitch F/X card has him averaging out at 87 MPH. As a LOOGy, he also of course throws a slider, and according to Kalk’s similiarity scores, he matches up closest with ex-Cardinal Darren Oliver. He previously was in the Yankees and Reds farm system. And no, we’re not related, at least I don’t believe we are. (We’re going to Candy Mountain, Charlie!)
Here’s an older article for more on Manning’s repertoire.
As for Phelps, the Cards must feel pretty confident that Albert’s surgery was a success. What can you say? He put up yet another solid season in AAA. Some team will scoop him up.
Now all the Cards need to do is sign Joe Borowski to a minor league deal, find a way to trade for Aaron Shafer and we’ll have an all Cardinal blogger bullpen.
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