Fallout of Spiezio's release

If you haven’t heard by now, Scott Spiezio (and his red soul patch) has been released. Obviously there are other ramifications to this than just baseball, which I briefly touched on here. But this post is going to be about who can benefit from this happening.

First, what the Cardinals lost from Spiezio is mainly in his versatility, whether it be in the infield, outfield, or even the occasional inning pitched. Now, it doesn’t look like there’s anyone in the system that can take on all of that responsibility, but there are a few people that could benefit:

Brendan Ryan

Ryan may have made the team as it was, but my guess was that he was going to go back to the minors this year so that he could play every day. Now, with the loss of Spiezio, I don’t think that’s going to happen. Ryan can play either of the middle infield positions (and I think he should start at one of them), and occasionally third when Glaus needs a day off. I think he could be the person that takes over the infield utility spot that Spiezio had, and I think he’ll do just fine doing so.

D'Angelo Jimenez

The Cardinals are Jimenez’s 5^th team since ’05. His average sucks, but his OBP is pretty good at .351 for his career. He is mentioned as a possible leadoff hitter here, but I honestly don’t see him as a possible leadoff hitter for this team. As for his positional flexibility, he has played 2^nd, short, and third, so he’s also got the positional flexibility needed at this point.

If I would have to bet, my money would be on Ryan. The loss of Spiezio could also increase the roll of Miles and possibly even Kennedy. There really is no need for a OF utility man with the depth at that position, but we could always throw Kennedy out there so that he can throw home like a pussy with the winning run coming home against the Pirates in extra innings (end rant)……

The Purple Iguana

Shumaker with tough day at camp

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Scott Shumaker had a bad day at spring training. Not only did he have to avoid 2 batted balls from former MVPs that he said were traveling in excess of 100 MPHs, he also got hit in the neck by a throw from Brendan Ryan. Tough day there…..

The Purple Iguana

Management wants to go young, but no Ryan

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The management supposedly wants to go young, yet the thinking (at least from this article) makes you think that they aren’t going to have Ryan play that much this year, which is too bad. I believe Ryan is better at this point than any of the other middle infielders that we have, and, at the very least, is a lot better of a prospect. If management wants to go and get decent free agents and play them over the youngsters, then fine. But when they get crap players like Izturis, Kennedy, and Miles, and then have them start over a younger player, it makes you wonder whether or not they’re serious about going young…..
The Purple Iguana