Carlos Martinez finds himself in the middle of two pennant chases, taking the mound tonight in Round Rock. It is getting harder to see the Cardinals trading away any of their top prospects, especially as the hurlers will be needed next month in one way or another. Memphis has competition for top rotation in the St. Louis organization, as Springfield now boasts a number of interesting storylines.
Two SCards pitchers had mixed results the last two outings, as Zach Petrick and Tim Cooney experienced the highs and lows of Texas League life. Petrick’s magical season continued with another victory and nine more strikeouts without a walk. His story continues to amaze, and I’m torn where to place him within the Top 15 Seedlings. One tough outing this month doesn’t hurt Tim Cooney’s standing, but my guess is he will start off next season anchoring the Springfield staff right along with Petrick.
Stranger things have happened in the days leading up to the trade deadline, but the prices remain sky high with only a couple of days to go. Most of the talk surrounds the White Sox, but a fit there still seems like a stretch unless Chicago is willing to take less. Jake Peavy has been talked about and if the Cardinals do pull the trigger, he is one guy that makes sense.
Friday, July 26th
White smoke — Petrick, Springfield, 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, WP, 9 SO, W (98 SO, 16 BB across 3 levels)
Gray smoke — Palm Beach offense, 1-9 RISP, 12 LOB, 12 H, 7 SO
Black smoke — Peoria 7th inning, 6 R, 6 H, SF, HBP after leading 2-0
Saturday, July 27th
White smoke — Jake Stone, GCL Cards, 4-4, 2 2B, R, RBI (No HR on season, needs promotion)
Gray smoke — Michael Blazek, Memphis, 0.2 IP, 2 H, R, L (Gave up Walk-off Home Run)
Black smoke — Cooney, Springfield, 3.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, HR, BB, WP, L (2nd TL start less than 4 IP)
