The bullpen looks to be loaded with youngsters like Fernando Salas, Eduardo Sanchez, and Lance Lynn. All have the ability to dominate late in the game. All came up clutch at one point or another in 2011. All should improve now that they have a full Major League season under their belt. But the success of the Cardinals bullpen rests clearly on the squatty shoulders of pseudo-closer Jason Motte.
Motte was a big part of the Cardinals unbelievable September charge and miraculous run to a World Series title. He was nearly unhittable during the playoff drive, posting eight saves in nine chances while striking out 14 hitters in 13.1 innings last September. But Motte worked more in 2011 than he did in any other season in his career. Will Motte have a World Series hangover?
Between the regular season and post-season, Motte appeared in 90 games, tossing 80.1 innings.
His previous high in appearances was in 2009 when he appeared in 70 games and piched 57.1 innings.
So should there be cause for concern about Motte entering the 2012 season?
While the Cardinals organization will point out that Motte never actually was annointed the "closer" in 2011, it is obvious he is the anchor of this bullpen heading into 2012. Sure one of the other relievers could step in if Motte is ineffective or falls to injury, but new manager Mike Matheny needs Jason Motte to dominate the back-end of games.
The Cardinals need Jason Motte to be just as stellar as he was at the end of the 2011 if they have any hope of repeating in 2012. They need Motte to anchor the bullpen. They need Motte to efficiently close games in 2012. He needs to be the man in the ninth inning in order for this bullpen, the perceived strength of this club, to be as good as everybody thinks it will be.
I am not suggesting that there is anything wrong with Jason Motte. I'm just hinting that it will be interesting to see if he can come back after such a high work load and dominate the way in 2011.
This year's team is relying on it.
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