It was a tough and trying year for the 2020 St. Louis Cardinals. They made almost no offseason moves, aside from signing Korean pitcher, Kwang Hyun Kim to their team this year, but they made virtually no attempt to add players to bolster their roster, and they still somehow backed their way into the playoffs despite just a 30-28 record, despite having a bout with the coronavirus, and after playing in a bunch of double headers.
Unfortunately, after a surprisingly solid Game 1 win over the young and talented San Diego Padres’ team, the Cardinals crashed back down to Earth, and they lost the next two games, as they lost the series, 2-1 to the Padres and are now eliminated from the playoffs. For the Cardinals, let’s just say, the expectations were quite low this year, and well, they met the low bar by making their way to the playoffs, though they didn’t do much more than that.
Here are my thoughts on how the team did, and so I’ll rate the pitchers first, and then I thoughts on the hitters will make for another article tomorrow or later on. (Also, for the WAR metric, I will use the Fangraphs WAR metric to judge players for their season this year.)
(Photo: Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)
SP – Kwang Hyun Kim – A-
Technically a rookie after having been signed from South Korea, Kim pitched very well in 2020, as he showed off expert command and control of his pitches. He was one of the best rookies in baseball, as he pitched a sub-2.00 ERA this year, and he’s basically like the Korean Miles Mikolas. He didn’t quite pitch nearly as well in the playoffs, but the 32-year old rookie is a solid starter that proved to be a bargain for the Cardinals, and he could be poised to have a very good 2021 season next year.
2020 (MLB): 3-0, 1.62 ERA, 39 IP, 6.5 H9, 0.7 HR9, 2.8 BB9, 5.5 K9, 3.88 FIP, 0.6 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 7.36 ERA, 3.2 IP, 12.3 H9, 0 HR9, 4.9 BB9, 4.9 BB
2021 Expectations: Middle of the Rotation Starter
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars
(Photo: Jeff Roberson/Associated Press, via Belleville News-Democrat)
SP - Adam Wainwright – B+
2020 (MLB): 5-3, 3.15 ERA, 65.2 IP, 7.4 H9, 1.2 HR9, 2.1 BB9, 7.4 K9, 4.10 FIP, 1.0 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-0 5.40 ERA, 3.1 IP, 16.2 H9, 0 HR9, 5.4 BB9, 8.1 KP
Adam Wainwright pitched well in 2020, and in the shortened season, the 39-year old starting pitcher showed poise, solid command, and routinely provided his team with good innings in the regular season. He especially did a tremendous job, especially since he is one of the oldest players in baseball, and he is one of the elder statesmen of the team. Unfortunately, he seemed to have run out of gas in the postseason, but he pitched well overall, and he will be back next year to provide his team with a steady, dependable arm in the Cards’ rotation.
2021 Expectations: Middle of the Rotation Starter
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars
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(Photo: Jeff Curry/USA Today Sports, via Viva El Birdos)
SP – Dakota Hudson – B
2020 (MLB): 3-2, 2.77 ERA, 39 IP, 5.5 H9, 1.2 HR9, 3.5 BB9, 7.2 K9, 4.50 FIP, 0.4 WAR
Dakota Hudson started off on a rough note, and then he pitched very well before ending up going down to an unfortunate injury that will require him to undergo Tommy John surgery. He may end up missing most of the 2021 season, but there is no doubt that he had a solid 2020 season before getting hurt this year. His rather high FIP though suggests that he also needed the fielders in order to pitch well this past season. Still, hopefully, he will return back to full form when he comes back.
2021 Expectations: Injured/Out for the Season
2022 Expectations: Fourth or Fifth Starter
2021/22 Player Rating: 2.5 stars
(Photo: Jeff Curry/Getty Images)
Does anyone still remember this guy?
SP – Jack Flaherty - C
2020 (MLB): 4-3. 4.91 ERA, 40.1 IP, 7.4 H9, 1.3 HR9, 3.6 BB9, 10.9 K9, 4.11 FIP, 0.6 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-1, 1.50 ERA, 6 IP, 9 H9, 0 HR9, 3 BB9, 12 K9
Flaherty had a very good 2019 season, and he was expected to continue to pitch well as the team’s ace of the staff, but he had a rocky 2020 season. He struggled with his command at times, but he managed to salvage his season by pitching very well in the playoffs, even though his team ended up losing in the decisive third game of the 2020 NLWC. Flaherty is a very talented pitcher who has top of the line stuff, but he will need to bounce back to pitch well next season.
2021 Expectations: Ace of the Staff
2021 Player Rating: 3 stars (4 star potential)
Affectionately known by diehard baseball fans as "The Lizard King," Miles Mikolas was once a very good pitcher, as he had a terrific 2018, but he missed all of the 2020 season.
(Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images, via Call To The Pen)
It was a rough season for Carlos Martinez. He tested positive for the coronavirus, had symptoms, valiantly tried to come back, but was nowhere near at the same level that he used to be this year.
(Photo: Julio Cortez/Associated Press, Belleville News-Democrat)
Alex Reyes rebounded to have a terrific 2020 season, and he was racking up strikeouts and scoreless innings, as he did it with a flair and style this year.
(Photo: Matt Marton/Associated Press, via KMOV)
At the peak of his success, Hicks was a successful closer in 2019 that threw up to 105 MPH. But he's been injured since, and he has not pitched in 1 1/2 years. Get better soon, Jordan Hicks!
(Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images, via Call To The Pen)
SP – Miles Mikolas – grade: Incomplete (I)
2020 (MLB): DNP, injured
He missed the entire season, as he was placed on the 45-day DL due to a forearm injury, but hopefully he can return to have a good 2021 season next year.
2021 Expectations: Backend of the rotation, Fourth or Fifth Starter
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars
SP – Daniel Ponce de Leon – C-
2020 (MLB): 1-3, 4.96 ERA, 32.2 IP, 6.3 H9, 2.2 HR9, 5.5 BB9, 12.4 K9, 5.64 FIP, 0 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-1, 27 ERA, 1 IP, 18 H9, 18 HR9, 9 BB9, 18 K9
Daniel Ponce de Leon is a hard-throwing righty that can strike a lot of hitters out, and he received plenty of opportunities to start this year for the Cards due to injuries. However, the talented, young pitcher also frequently struggled with his control and command, but he managed to pitch his way onto a playoff roster. However, his performance in the playoffs was disastrous, and he pitched poorly that led his team to lose in his one stint in the postseason this year.
2021 Expectations: Spot starter/Long reliever
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars
SP - Johan Oviedo - C
2020 (MLB): 0-3, 5.47 ERA, 24.2 IP, 8.8 H9, 1.1 HR9, 3.6 BB9, 5.8 K9, 5.30 FIP, 0.1 WAR
After the Cardinals had pitchers go down to injuries and COVID, an opportunity sprung for Oviedo, as he was called into the action to pitch in the majors. He had a fairly average season, but he showed promise with his ability to command his pitches. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be back in the majors next year, but he can definitely help out if he’s called upon to do so by then.
2021 Expectations: Spot starter/Long reliever
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2.5 stars)
Side note: Will still be a rookie in 2021
(Photo: Julio Cortez/Associated Press, Belleville News-Democrat)
P – Carlos Martinez – D-
2020 (MLB): 0-3, 9.90 ERA, 20 IP, 14.4 H9, 2.7 HR9, 4.5 BB9, 7.7 K9, 6.89 FIP, -0.2 FIP
Early on in the season, Carlos Martinez tested positive for having the coronavirus, and he had some serious symptoms, as he was hospitalized and was treated for a lengthy stay. The two-time All-Star pitcher valiantly tried to come back, but he just could not regain the pitching form he had prior to the start of this season. Unfortunately, I cannot give him a high grade as his performance for the Cards was nowhere near the standards he brought to the team in the past, and one has to wonder that maybe he should’ve been held out for the season as a precaution if he was not able to fully return to form this year.
2021 Expectations: Spot starter/Versatile reliever
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars
(Photo: Matt Marton/Associated Press, via KMOV)
RP – Alex Reyes – A-
2020 (MLB): 2-1, 3.20 ERA, 19.2 IP, 6.4 H9, 0.5 HR9, 6.4 BB9, 12.4 K9, 3.24 FIP, 0.5 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 2.70 ERA, 3.1 IP, 5.4 H9, 2.7 HR9, 5.4 BB9, 8.1 K9
Alex Reyes had a nice bounce back year, and he had a solid season in a relief role for the Cards in 2020. He was one of the main bright spots on the Cards’ team this year, and he is a flamethrower that showed that he can strike many hitters out. He also improved his command, and showed the potential to develop into a closer. He will need to improve his control, but it’s nice to see that Reyes is finally developing into being a player that is finding his niche role in the majors.
2021 Expectations: Set up man/Power reliever
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars
CP – Giovanny Gallegos - B
2020 (MLB): 2-2, 3.60 ERA, 4 SV, 15 IP, 5.4 H9, 0.6 HR9, 2.4 BB9, 12.6 K9, 2.06 FIP, 0.6 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 1-0, 9.00 ERA, 2 IP, 13.5 H9, 9 HR9, 4.5 BB9, 13.5 K9
Gallegos had COVID to start the year, but he pitched well in the regular season when he was healthy. He was one of the Cardinals’ best bullpen arms this year, but unfortunately, he really struggled in Game 2 of the NLWC against the Padres in the playoffs. He’s been a solid, one-inning bullpen arm for the Cardinals and nothing more, and while he’s not an elite pitcher, he’s a dependable regular season pitcher that can help get his team to the playoffs.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars
RP – Andrew Miller – B-
2020 (MLB): 1-1, 2.77 ERA, 4 SV, 13 IP, 6.2 H9, 0 HR9, 3.5 BB9, 11.1 K9, 2.58 FIP, 0.3 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.2 IP, 13.5 H9, 0 HR9, 0 BB9, 0 K9
Andrew Miller didn’t pitch much in 2020, as he spent some time on the disabled list, but he pitched well when he was healthy this year. Unfortunately, he didn’t pitch nearly as well in the playoffs, but he was one of the better bullpen arms for the Cards this year. Unfortunately though, he hasn’t pitched in many innings over the past three seasons, which includes this one, and so it’s not certain how many more solid seasons that he can bring to the Cards in the future, but it’s good that he gave some solid innings to the Cards this year.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 2 stars
RP – Austin Gomber – B-
2020 (MLB): 1-1, 1.86 ERA, 29 IP, 5.9 H9, 0.3 HR9, 4.7 BB9, 8.4 K9, 3.54 FIP, 0.5 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.1 IP, 13.5 H9, 0 HR9, 6.8 BB9, 13.5 K9
He is a tall lefty that pitched well in relief this season, and he showed solid command and the ability to strike out hitters. However, he struggled at times in the playoffs, as he struggled with inherited runners, and he will need to improve his control. He will most likely be with the Cardinals or in a major league bullpen in 2021.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars
RP – John Gant – A-
2020 (MLB): 0-3, 2.40 ERA, 15 IP, 5.4 H9, 0 HR9, 4.2 BB9, 10.8 K9, 2.19 FIP, 0.5 WAR
He had a very good 2020 season, as he did a very good job of striking hitters out and keeping balls in the ballpark, but he didn’t appear in the playoffs due to injury. He pitched well this year, and he will likely be in the Cards’ bullpen once again next season.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars
RP – Tyler Webb - B
2020 (MLB): 1-1, 2.08 ERA, 21.2 IP, 7.1 H9, 0.8 HR9, 2.9 BB9, 7.9 K9, 3.61 FIP, 0.3 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 13.50 ERA, 0.2 IP, 13.5 H9, 0 HR9, 0 BB9, 0 K9
The tall, lefty specialist had his best season this year in 2020, as he showed solid control and command of his pitches. Unfortunately, he did not pitch well in the playoffs, but he otherwise had a very good 2020 season for the Cardinals, and he will likely be on the team next year, too.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 2.0 stars
RP – Genesis Cabrera – B-
2020 (MLB): 4-1, 2.42 ERA, 22.1 IP, 4 H9, 1.2 HR9, 6.4 BB9, 12.9 K9, 4.76 FIP, -0.1 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 18 ERA, 1 IP, 9 H9, 0 HR9, 27 BB9, 9 K9
Cabrera is a hard-throwing lefty that had a fairly good regular season, as he struck many hitters out, and was especially good against left-handed hitters. However, he struggled with his control and to keep the ball in the ballpark, and those issues flared up in the playoffs, as he had trouble getting outs in the postseason. He’ll be in the Cardinals’ bullpen in 2021, and he can really pitch well when he has his command under control.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 2.0 stars (3 star potential)
RP – Ryan Helsley - D
2020 (MLB): 1-1, 5.25 ERA, 6 H9, 2.3 HR9, 6 BB9, 7.5 K9, 7.02 FIP, -0.4 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 5.40 ERA, 1.2 IP, 5.4 H9, 0 HR9, 0 BB9, 10.8 K9
He pitched well last season and he is a power pitcher that looked primed for a breakout season this year, but after he got COVID during the middle of the season, he struggled to be effective as a relief pitcher after that. He made a valiant comeback attempt, but he just did not pitch well this season.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 2 stars
RP – Jake Woodford - D
2020 (MLB): 1-0, 5.57 ERA, 21 IP, 8.6 H9, 3 HR9, 2.1 BB9, 6.9 K9, 6.71 FIP, -0.3 WAR
Woodford was called up in the middle of the season, and he showed some versatility early on as well as the ability to locate his pitches, but he struggled with his command and had trouble keeping balls in the ball park. He will need to make adjustments in order to lock down a spot in the majors next year.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2.5 star potential)
(Photo: Mark Brown/Getty Images, via Redbird Rants)
RP – Jordan Hicks - Incomplete
2020 (MLB): DNP – Injured
The talented, but oft-injured flamethrower did not pitch all year long, but when healthy, he can certainly aid a bullpen.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars (3 star potential)
RP – John Brebbia - Incomplete
2020 (MLB): DNP – Injured
He did not pitch the entire season due to injury, but he has been quite dependable when healthy.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 2 stars
RP – Kodi Whitley - C
2020 (MLB): 0-0, 1.93 ERA, 4.2 IP, 3.9 H9, 1.9 HR9, 1.9 BB9, 9.6 K9, 4.48 FIP, 0 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 27 ERA, 0.1 IP, 27 H9, 27 HR9, 0 BB9, 0 K9
He made the opening day roster, and he showed potential as a power arm in the bullpen, but he then contracted the coronavirus, and when he came back, he struggled in his lone appearance in the playoffs.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
RP – Seth Elledge - C
2020 (MLB): 1-0, 4.63 ERA, 11.2 IP, 8.5 H9, 1.5 HR9, 6.2 BB9, 10.8 K9, 5.33 FIP, -0.1 WAR
He was decent, but not great in his stint up in the majors. He had control and command issues, but he can strike hitters out.
2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
RP – Rob Kaminsky - B
2020 (MLB): 0-0, 1.93 ERA, 4.2 IP, 5.8 H9, 0 HR9, 3.9 BB9, 5.8 K9, 3.19 FIP, 0 WAR
The one-time prime prospect was a surprise callup to the majors this year, and the young lefty actually did a good job of pitching out of the bullpen. He showed good command, and he induced a lot of groundballs to get outs, as he had a 60% groundball rate in fact. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to help him sustain a spot in the majors or keep his place on the 40-man roster.
2021 Expectations: AAA Relief pitcher/Potential September call-up
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
RP – Junior Fernandez – D-
2020 (MLB): 0-0, 18 ERA, 3 IP, 18 H9, 3 HR9, 6 BB9, 6 K9, 8.19 FIP, -0.1 FIP
Junior Fernandez skyrocketed through the minors in 2019, and his rapid success showed that he was more than deserving of a callup in September that year. He also showed a strong ability to strike hitters out. Unfortunately, he also contracted COVID, and he just did not pitch well at all this season. He will need to have a bounce back season in 2021.
2021 Expectations: AAA Relief pitcher/Potential September call-up
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
RP – Nabil Crismatt – B-
2020 (MLB): 0-0, 3.24 ERA, 8.1 IP, 6.5 H9, 2.2 HR9, 1.1 BB9, 8.6 K9, 4.75 ERA, 0 WAR
2020 is an unusual year. Not only was this a shortened season due to the coronavirus, but Crismatt managed to rebound from having a 9+ ERA in AAA last year to pitch reasonably well in the majors this year. His control was sharp, and he also could strike some hitters out. He will need to keep the ball in the ballpark more, but he showed that he can be a functioning member of a major-league bullpen.
2021 Expectations: AAA pitcher/Potential September call-up
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
RP – Ricardo Sanchez – D-
2020 (MLB): 0-0, 6.75 ERA, 5.1 IP, 8.4 H9, 1.7 HR9, 8.4 BB9, 6.8 K9, 7.50 FIP, -0.1 WAR
He was a mid-tier prospect that the Cardinals acquired from the Seattle Mariners’ organization, but Sanchez did not pitch well at all in his brief stint in the majors this year.
2021 Expectations: AAA starter/Potential September call-up
2021 Player Rating: 1 star (2.5 star potential)
RP – Ryan Meisinger - C
2020 (MLB): 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2.2 IP, 3.4 H9, 0 HR9, 13.5 BB9, 10.1 K9, 6.57 FIP, 0 WAR
He is a power reliever that managed to pitch some scoreless innings in his brief stint up with the Cards, but he will need to improve his ability to locate his pitches to last longer in the majors.
2021 Expectations: AAA relief pitcher/Potential September call-up
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
RP – Jesus Cruz – C-
2020 (MLB): 0-0, 18 ERA, 1 IP, 27 H9, 0 HR9, 9 BB9, 18 K9, 2.19 FIP, 0 WAR
He is a power reliever that showed that he can really strike some hitters out, but he was unlikely in his lone appearance in the majors. He will need to improve his control and command to last longer in the big leagues, but his terrific ability to generate whiffs is encouraging.
2021 Expectations: AAA relief pitcher/Potential September call-up
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
RP – Roel Ramirez – D-
2020 (MLB): 0-0, 81 ERA, 0.2 IP, 81 H9, 54 HR9, 13.5 BB9, 13.5 K9, 82.69 FIP
In his lone appearance against the White Sox, Roel Ramirez was terrible in his lone bullpen stint up in the bigs. He also ran into the metaphorical buzzsaw of the tremendous hitting display the White Sox showed, and Ramirez actually showed some good peripheral statistics in the minors prior to 2020, but with his abysmal showing with the Cards, it’s unlikely that we will see Roel Ramirez pitch in a Cardinal uniform in the majors anytime soon.
2021 Expectations: AAA relief pitcher
2021 Player Rating: 0.5 stars (1 star potential)
Pitching Coach:
Mike Maddux – C+
2020 (MLB): 30-28, 3.90 ERA, 7.2 H9, 1.3 HR9, 3.9 BB9, 8.8 K9, 4.58 FIP
2020 (Postseason): 1-2, 6.12 ERA, 11.2 H9, 2.2 HR9, 5.0 BB9, 9.4 K9, ~5.92 FIP
The Cardinals’ pitchers seemed to do a fairly decent job. They struck hitters out, and showed decent command out there. However, they will need to improve their control and keep the ball in the ballpark more. They also really struggled to consistently pitch well in the playoffs.
(Player Rating System/Grading Scale:
This is evaluated on a 0.5 to 5-star rating scale, much like how the Franchise Hockey Manager game rates players in that game.
5 stars = Elite player, MVP/Cy Young award-caliber player
4.5 stars = Very good player/All-Star, likely top 3 at his position
4 stars is considered to be an All-Star,
3.5 stars is a borderline All-Star,
3 stars is a good player,
2.5 stars is an above average player,
2 stars is an average player,
1.5 stars is a backend player on a major-league team,
1 star and below means not major league quality)
Expected Group of Pitchers for 2021 (13 pitchers for a 25-man roster, 15 if it stays a 28-man roster):
SP Jack Flaherty - 3 stars (4-star potential)
SP Kwang Hyun Kim - 2.5 stars
SP Adam Wainwright - 2.5 stars (UFA)
SP Miles Mikolas - 2.5 stars
SP Carlos Martinez - 2.5 stars
SP Kwang Hyun Kim - 2.5 stars
SP Adam Wainwright - 2.5 stars (UFA)
SP Miles Mikolas - 2.5 stars
SP Carlos Martinez - 2.5 stars
CL Jordan Hicks - 2.5 stars (3.0-star potential)
RP Alex Reyes - 2.5 stars
RP Giovanny Gallegos - 2.5 stars
RP Giovanny Gallegos - 2.5 stars
RP Austin Gomber - 2.5 stars
RP John Gant - 2.5 stars
RP Genesis Cabrera 2 stars (3 star potential)
RP Genesis Cabrera 2 stars (3 star potential)
RP John Brebbia - 2 stars (UFA)
RP Tyler Webb - 2 stars
Others That Would Compete for MLB Spots for the Cards in 2021:
RP Ryan Helsley - 2 stars
P Daniel Ponce de Leon - 1.5 stars
P Jake Woodford - 1.5 stars (2.5 star potential)
P Johan Oviedo - 1.5 stars (2.5 star potential)
RP Kodi Whitley - 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
RP Rob Kaminsky - 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
IL:
SP Dakota Hudson - 2.5 stars
SP Dakota Hudson - 2.5 stars
Other UFAs/Unsure if the Cards will bring back in 2021:
RP Andrew Miller - 2 stars
Judging from this assessment, the Cardinals could use one more quality starter to strengthen their pitching staff, also because Carlos Martinez is coming off his worst season as a major-league pitcher, and veteran stalwart Adam Wainwright will be 40 years old. There's no guarantee that Martinez will reach the levels that he used to be at that helped him be a 2-time All-Star, but he was at least a decent bullpen pitcher in 2019 prior to this season. Wainwright pitched well this season, but given his age, he's certainly at risk for decline. In addition, Miles Mikolas missed a full season, and so it's uncertain if he can pitch nearly as well as he did for the Cards in 2018. As for the Cardinals' group of pitchers for 2021, it looks like it will be a satisfactory group, as that squad has plenty of depth and will be competitive, as they could help get to the playoffs, but they may need one or two more upper-echelon arms that could increase their chances to win a title next year.
Anyways, those are my grades for the St. Louis Cardinals' pitchers and the pitching coach for the 2020 season. Thanks for reading.
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