|
|
on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 06:24 PM EST | Posted by : car7858 | 290 Reads
By Carl A. Randall
 Atlanta-The St. Louis Cardinals were desperate for a starting pitcher; The Detroit Tigers had a surplus.
So last year's World Series opponents worked out a deal. The Tigers traded lefty Mike Maroth to the struggling Cardinals on Friday, just hours before Kenny Rogers made his first start of the season. The trade came with St. Louis struggling 32-37 and the Tigers tied for the AL Central lead. The Tigers will receive a player to be named later for Maroth, who had an arm operation last year. Maroth knew a deal was iminent with Rogers rejoining the rotation in Atlanta after recovering from a blood clot in his left shoulder. "There's only so many spots," Maroth said, "This team is stacked with pitchers, which is a great situation to be in from an organized standpoint." The 29-year old Maroth was 5-2 with a 5.06 ERA in 13 starts. While those numbers may not seem so impressive, they should be a boost to St. Louis' battered rotation. "I've talked alot to the Tigers and I think he can help us.," Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa said, "I'm pleased we were aggressive and we made a move." Ace Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder are rehabilitating from injuries and not expected back anytime soon. Brandon Looper recently joined them on the disabled list. How desparate are the defending World Champions for reliable starters. Anthony Reyes was set up to go Friday night with an 0-8 record and a 6.34 ERA. Kip Wells was 3-11 with a 6.75 ERA and got scratched from a scheduled appearance just hours before the game. Earlier this week, the Cardinals signed Tomo Ohka to a minor league contract; he was 2-5 with a 5.79 ERA when Toronto released him. LaRussa said Brad Thompson, who allowed one run in 7 innings against the Royals, was available in the bullpen over the weekend. "Mike is a young pitcher who is only going to continue to get stronger as he continues his recovery from last season's surgery," Cardinals General Manager Walt Jocketty said, "He is an established started who is going to provide us with innings and help take pressure off our bullpen.We think the change in leagues will benefit Mike." Maroth will return briefly to Detroit to gather some belongings, and is scheduled to start on Monday in New York against the Mets. "I know the team's not playing the way it's capable of playing, they've had a lot to deal with this year, he said, "I'm excited to do whatever I can to help them get back on track." "It's the perfect scenario for Mike," Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland said, "he's going into the rotation for the world champions."Justin Verlander (8-2), Jeremy Bonderman (8-0) and Rogers are Detroit's top three starters. Andrew Miller, a 6 foot 6 lefty has looked good in three starts since coming up from Double-A. Nate Robertson is set to come off the DL next week. The deal was the second of the week for Detroit, which swapped left-handers Wilfredo Ledezma, who was out of minor-league options, was sent to the Braves for Macay McBride. This story was courtesy of www.comcast.net |
|
| |
Average Rating : 5.0
Total ratings : 1
|
|
| Tigers Trade LHP Maroth To St. Louis Cardinals | Login/Create an account | 0 Comments |
|
| | Comments are owned by their poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Weather for Warren, MI, US
Now
|
Wind: 0 mph N
Humidity: 73%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 29.94 is falling
Sunrise: 8:02 am
Sunset: 5:15 pm |
Fair
16°F
Windchill: 16°F
|
| Forecast
|
Today
Cloudy
Hi: 31°F
Low: 27°F
|
Wed
Snow Showers
Hi: 31°F
Low: 24°F
|
|
|
|
|
