On Saturday, St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jason Motte tossed a scoreless sixth inning in a game against the Houston Astros that had a 6-0 score at the time. It was a necessary step backward then forward as Motte ended his first eventful week in the spotlight as a major league closer.
There were several interesting implications in terms of when he was used – the inning of the game and place in the opposing lineup – as well as in terms of his immediate availability.
Motte pitched in what became his first consecutive games this season, a realistic requirement that had to be put on hold after his 29-pitch marathon on opening day.
Pitching on consecutive days allowed Motte to get back onto the mound quickly after his shaky outing on Friday. That is in contrast to the three games taken off following his Monday struggles against Pittsburgh.
Another by-product is that Motte will likely be unavailable Sunday, ensuring a different closer will be used if needed for the conclusion of what could be a Cardinals sweep of their NL Central Division rivals from Houston.
On Saturday, the right-hander faced the middle of the Astros lineup, the number four through seven hitters. After a single to cleanup man Carlos Lee, Motte fanned Ivan Rodriguez and Geoff Blum to complete his inning of work.
This was in contrast to his second outing of the season on Friday. In that game, Motte was set up to pitch to the bottom third of the Astros order, but didn’t get the job done against what should have been the easiest part of the lineup. Rodriguez and pinch-hitter Jeff Keppinger both singled before Motte was pulled with one out in the ninth.
On opening day, Motte had taken over with the number two batter coming up and ended up facing the entire Pirates order except for the leadoff man in a game in which he was charged with four earned runs, a blown save and the loss.
While Saturday’s clean outing was a good move forward for Motte, as the Cardinals leave town for their first road trip of the season, the question of his next steps remain.
Dennys Reyes and Kyle McClellan already have a save each and Ryan Franklin, the man some expected to be the kid closer safety net, has performed only in a setup role to date.
Meanwhile, demoted closer candidate Chris Perez has logged three hitless innings over two games with Triple-A Memphis. He has accrued a save and a win. As is characteristic with Perez, he has three strikeouts, but also issued a pair of walks.
It was not part of the plan to open the season in St. Louis with both closer candidates on the roster since more long men were needed due to the heavy early schedule of 34 games in 35 days.
At some point in the not too distant future, the major league club may be better equipped for the long haul with both Perez and Motte in their bullpen.
Motte began as the closer because of what he did in spring training, which TLR had to respect, even if against his better judgment. Now things are better, freeing Motte from the burden of excessive expectations. Motte can gain experience as a set up guy. Leave the closing to cool vets like Reyes, Franklin, McClellan, who can divide up the work. Meanwhile Perez can work on his game at Memphis. If we do not have an established ML closer, as we do not, this committee approach seems best for the time being. TLR and DD always seem to figure out the best approach.
What you’re saying is very plausible Jumbo. One way or another, the health and future of Motte have to be considered, as they are I think.. The fantasy that the other three are going to be adequate when we start seeing better teams is just that. I’m sure Tony is aware of that. I like Motte. I’m all for him. He isn’t tactically ready. Part of his adjustments in preparing his changup and slider grips in the glove, and then hiding them, have change his wrist angle on is take away. He has lost some explosiveness. He may function as a set up man, but that doesn’t preclude the Cardinal need for a closer. I hope what you say is true. I hope the warmer weather brings out a fire breathing Motte to the terror of all our adversaries. Unlikely. As soon as Perez shows any life, up he comes. The Cubs are coming. 500 is always just one indecision away.
The good news is there is more depth of closing possibilities. Reyes and Miller are options not there with Villone and Flores. Franklin and McClellan are still around, though now there are Motte and Kinney too. We know where to find Perez or Todd, when we want one.
The idea that things are “better” because Motte stumbled is ridiculous.
Speculation is the Pirates were stealing signs last Monday. Think about it. He hasn’t pitched with a guy on second hardly ever! It’s never even been an issue before. Anyway…
I hate the idea of Franklin closing anything by his car door. Kinney and Reyes may get the call. I think Motte will come around, though he probably needs more seasoning a la McClellan before he can be relied upon. If Perez can get his slider harnessed, I think he offers a little more stability in the ninth. So far, however, the pen looks very solid. I think Thompson will be back on I-55 in a month, and Perez will be too. It would be a shame to send Motte down.
As with most rookies it is a journey for Motte. I think it is a good sign that Tony didn’t just drop him. He hasn’t got his fast ball geared up totally yet and I think with all of the high expectations his command got a little off.
I really like the fact that he came back against Rodriguez and blew him away after giving up a single to him Friday night. I’m not as concerned about the closer situation. We just have too many good arms in the pen.