St. Louis Cardinals: Preseason Roster Predictions Part 3

Feb 18, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals players walk towards the practice field at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals players walk towards the practice field at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
"Apr
"Apr /

Starting Rotation

There will not be any drama here, barring injury of course. With Adam Wainwright tabbed to start on Opening Day, the rotation figures to fill in with Michael Wacha, Carlos Martinez, Jaime Garcia, and Mike Leake.

I know that Wainwright is going to pitch with the same demeanor and presence in 2016 as he always has. I have a few concerns about how good his stuff will be to start things, but his presence alone makes the entire rotation better.

I’m looking for another step forward from Carlos Martinez, particularly in handling his emotions on the mound. I’m a bit concerned with how Wacha finished 2015, but still think that he will have a lot of success this year.

More from St Louis Cardinals News

I hate that I have to say it, but how can I not? IF Jaime Garcia stays healthy, he has top of the rotation stuff and a plan of attack that really maximizes his talents. I was really down on Garcia after his start in Game 2 of the NLDS, but it’s in the past.

The jury is still out on Mike Leake. His signing was extremely underwhelming, but, a move that I think the Cards needed to make. Even if he gives the Cardinals nothing more than fifth-starter type performances, he could really help the pitching staff by eating 200+ innings this year.

Next: The Super Bullpen