Two and two-thirds innings and a 20.25 ERA later - it may be safe to say we shouldn't assume that any longer.Garcia got torn up by the Cardinals today over his two innings pitched in his second Grapefruit League appearance. He gave up a three-run bomb to Chris Duncan that hit off the Gateway Arch and another shot to Cardinals prospect Allen Craig. His fastballs were up and flat, topping out at 83 MPH. Garcia himself knows he's digging himself a hole:
"If I can't locate my fastball, I have no chance...four runs in two innings is bad. I've got to work in the bullpen and try to keep the ball down."
So where does this leave us for the 5th rotation spot? Well Tim Redding is still yet to throw in a game so he isn't there. John Niese and Livan Hernandez have both pitched a few innings, so they have that going for them. Neise's stuff looked good and Livan's stuff worked. I guess that's what we have for now. With Johan Santana looking more and more doubtful for opening day, the team may need to go with those two as the 4th and 5th starters the first time through the rotation in April if Garcia can't get his act together and Redding fails to get enough reps.
Photo by Howard Simmons of NY Daily News
Posts
stumble it!