Joe Kelly and Shelby Miller are left as the last two high profile prospects standing with hopes of filling the shoes of legend Chris Carpenter in the opening day starting rotation.
Both pitchers threw on Thursday and both have shown signs that they are ready to assume the role with the big team, although the numbers do show a bit of disparity at this point in the spring.
Kelly has been superb this spring. Kelly has appeared in three games this spring, all three starts, and has a 2.25 ERA in eight innings of work. Opponents are hitting just .185 off Kelly this spring, but Kelly has walked five hitters and struck out one two.
Miller, on the other hand, has not been quite as good statistically. Miller has appeared in three games as well, but has made just one start and has an eye-popping 7.04 ERA in 7.2 innings. Hitters are having more success against the former first round pick, hitting .294. Miller has shown an ability to get the strikeout, piling up eight punch-outs while walking just two.
So who should be the fifth starter? Vote now and let us know what you think in the comments section below!
