Michael Wacha impressive against Mets

In the first nationally televised spring game for the Cardinals, 2012 first round draft pick Michael Wacha was impressive through 3 scoreless innings of work.
Feb 19, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals player Michael Wacha (74) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Image Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
It wasn’t just that Wacha was able to hold the Mets scoreless. It was how he did it.

In 3 innings of relief following Lance Lynn‘s start today, Wacha allowed 1 hit and struck out 5 Mets batters.

The only hit that Wacha gave up was a single in the 3rd inning to All-Star third baseman David Wright. Wacha was able to get Ruben Tejada, Lucas Duda, Justin Turner, Matthew Den Dekker, and Mike Baxter to go down on strikes, be it called or looking.

How impressive was Wacha today? Let’s let Yadier Molina answer that question.

“I think that guy right now could pitch in the big leagues,” Molina told the media.

In his first professional season following being drafted out of Texas A & M, the former Aggie was able to strike out 53.3% of the 75 total batters that he faced. While Wacha was used as a reliever last season, this equals a a 17.1 strikeouts/9 IP total.

Against the Miami Marlins tomorrow, both right-handed pitchers Jake Westbrook and Trevor Rosenthal will be seeing some action on the mound. This game will also be broadcast on the air with Mike Shannon and John Rooney on the call for KMOX.

While the attention so far has been focused on Wacha and Oscar Taveras, we should not be overlooking Kolten Wong, as Jennifer Langosch mentions.

As the battle between Daniel Descalso and Matt Carpenter heats up for second base, look for Kolten Wong as a dark horse to start the season as the Opening Day second baseman. If it does not happen this year, it will happen by the end of the season. It’s not an if, but when.