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| Raul Valdes will get the start for the St. Louis Cardinals spring training opener. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images |
That is great and everything, but who is Raul Valdes?
Luckily, I did some research to find out.
This winter the Cardinals signed Valdes to a minor league contract and extended an the Cuban defector an invitation to the major league camp.
Valdes is a 5 foot, 11 inch left-hander. At 33 years of age, Valdes is hardly a prospect, but has less than one year of major league experience.
In 2010 Valdes pitched for the New York Mets, posting a 4.91 ERA in 38 games, including one start. Valdes had 56 strikeouts in 58.2 innings, but was often erratic walking 27 batters faced.
Valdes had a 3-3 record while recording 1 save and blowing 3 others.
Valdes is not effective against left-handed hitters even though he throws from the left side.
In 2010, left-handed hitters hit .330 off Valdes while right-handed swingers managed just a .216 average.
Its unclear if the Cardinals are considering Valdes as an option in the rotation, but it is awfully odd that this spring training invitee would get the ball in the first spring training game.
Especially considering who was originally scheduled to start.
If Valdes can make a good impression on Monday, he makes for an interesting candidate for the 5th starter spot.
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