St. Louis Cardinals: Taking a Look at Former Cardinals in 2016

Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) celebrates his run with third baseman David Freese (6) against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Angels won 11-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) celebrates his run with third baseman David Freese (6) against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Angels won 11-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 15, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Joe Kelly (56) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Joe Kelly (56) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Kelly

The other player the Cardinals sent packing to Boston was Joe Kelly, the young pitcher who was struggling to be a consistent member of the rotation before the trade. It seemed like a no-brainer for Boston, they sent off an aging pitcher and an underwhelming pitching prospect for a young pitcher and young hitter. Kelly has less than a season and a half under his belt with Boston and has made 35 starts, with a record of 14-8 and an ERA of 4.60.

Last season, Kelly made the bold claims that he was going to contend for the AL Cy Young, this of course didn’t happen. Kelly struggled with inconsistency and injuries last season, and even made four starts in AAA last season. So, to say Kelly was not as good as he thought he would be is an understatement. This season, Kelly is figured to be in the running for the Red Sox fifth starter role.

I always thought Kelly was best served out of the bullpen than as a starter, so for the Red Sox it could be to their benefit if he does not make the starting rotation for the club, especially if he is near the Steamer projection of a 4.19 ERA as a starter. Our friends at Bo Sox Injection believe that he will ultimately lose this battle to Henry Owens, so things could be on the upswing for Kelly if he is in the bullpen.

For more on Kelly and Craig, check out my fellow editor’s piece on them here.

Next: World Series Hero Still Waiting