At the same time the Cards were putting the finishing touches on an impressive Friday night victory, my attention was focused a little more South on the I-55. Carlos Martinez continued his torrid pace from June and left very little doubt that he is ready to step in if needed. Martinez battled without his best stuff, notching only one strikeout but making it into the 6th inning.
With Oscar Taveras doubtful to represent St. Louis in the Futures Game, my money is on Martinez to wear the Birds on the Bat in New York. That is, of course, making the assumption that the hurler hasn’t been recalled to start for the Cardinals, not such a big leap any longer.
Bob Netherton, @CardinalTales, and I were in agreement yesterday that not only would C-Mart be in line for a spot start, but he could be joined by two other members of the Memphis rotation. The Redbirds offer quite the trio of options with Tyler Lyons and Michael Wacha anxious to return for a second-helping. All in all it is a great spot for St Louis, as John Mozeliak is sure to be fielding quite a few phone calls the next three weeks.
Friday, July 5th
White smoke — Zach Petrick, Palm Beach, 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 SO
Gray smoke — Jeff Rauh, State College, 2 IP, 1 H, GW-Home Run in 9th, 1 BB, L
Black smoke — Anthony Ferrara, Springfield 0.2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 2 BB, HBP, L
C-Mart smoke — Martinez, Memphis, 5.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 4 BB, SO (1.98 ERA in 8 AAA Starts)
It was definitely a day for pitchers to start off the weekend, highlighted by Westbrook’s gem. With stellar performances throughout the system, the Cardinals will have many options in case the trade route is entertained. Petrick will get some more pub next week after making the flawless transition into the Palm Beach rotation, but I hope to catch him at Springfield by season’s end.