The St. Louis Cardinals’ All-Time 28-Man Roster

View image | gettyimages.com

Bullpen Slot #3 – Bob Forsch

Bob Forsch almost made the rotation, but upon further consideration simply didn’t have better numbers than Dean or Wainwright. Forsch was what you would call consistent, he finished his career with a total line of 163-127 with an ERA of 3.67 (3.82 FIP). Forsch started his career with two really good seasons in 1974 and 1975 with ERAs of 2.97 and 2.86.

He then pitched seven more seasons with an ERA under 4.00 giving him nine straight to start his career. In 1983 a year after winning the 1982 World Series, Forsch started his decline. He had a record of 10-12, with an ERA of 4.28, his worst as a starter so far.

In 1984 Forsch suffered through an injury shortened year, going 2-5 with a 6.02 ERA over 16 total appearances. Forsch would rebound with two straight seasons with an ERA under 4.00 in 1985 and 1986, but his down year in 1987 led to him being featured in the postseason bullpen that year, where he allowed 11 earned runs in 9.1 innings out  and ultimately traded to the Astros in August of 1988 due to the team not wanting him back in 1989.