Reading the minds of Major League Baseball's managers and general managers is a normally a different task. However, this year, everyone can determine the state of mind in the Cardinals front office: resignation. Walt Jocketty and company have seemingly given up on the team for this year by not making any moves to remedy their anemic starting pitching. The best example of this decision to do nothing is the fact that Kip Wells still has a Cardinal uniform.
How much longer will the franchise continue to invest in a player that shows no growth or determination to improve. Can he pitch? Does he have talent? Clearly yes. But this talent can not be counted on as he shows no discernible signs of consistency. He gets behind in the count against so many batters that he is always digging himself and the team out of a bind. Once down, he has the talent to come back and deliver some good pitches but these cannot be counted on.
More generally though, this begs the question: If he can throw good stuff 3-0 why can't he throw those pitches to begin the at-bat? Kip Wells just doesn't seem to take his talent and responsibility as a Major League pitcher on a defending World Champion team seriously. Kip Wells seems like a recent manifestation of J.D. Drew, a fantastic talent but no dedication.
Finally, a comment from Cardinal television broadcaster Dan McLaughlin seems to sum up the sentiment surrounding the disappointing Kip Wells. "Where is the rain?" When Wells is on the mound for St. Louis, fans of the Cardinals hope for a rain-out. How sad for the proud fans of one the most revered teams in Major League Baseball. By the fourth inning on Friday evening, Wells had given up 7 earned runs by the fourth inning. With a performance like that, who wasn't wondering "Where is the rain?"
You write very well.
Posted by: Edalene | Thursday, 23 April 2009 at 06:10 AM