Wellemeyer Avoids Arbitration

The Cardinals reached an agreement with the last of their arbitration eligible players today.  Pitcher, Todd Wellemeyer signed a one year, $1 million contract, which includes $100,000 in possible incentives for starts or innings pitched.  Rick Hummel has the full story here.

Wellemeyer was picked up off waivers from Kansas City last May.  After joining the club, he posted a 3.11 ERA in 63.2 innings.  As a swing man, Wellemeyer made 11 starts, nine of which were won by the Cardinals.

With all the question marks in the Cards’ pitching staff, a guy like Wellemeyer can be quite useful.  I have a feeling he’ll play a big role this season, and should have no trouble collecting his incentives.  He’ll be competing for the fifth spot in the rotation with Anthony Reyes, Brad Thompson, and others.  Out of the bullpen, Wellemeyer would assume the role once held by Josh Hancock.

I’m excited to see what Todd can do in a full season with the Redbirds.  Pitchers and catchers report in seventeen days.