Today-What a Lineup!

[Number5]

Joe Kelly was the first Cardinals pitcher to bat in a spring training game this year. He went 3 for 3 (all singles), drove in 2 runs, pitched 5-2/3 innings and allowed 1 earned run. Yet, he's still probably trailing Carlos Martinez for the 5th starter spot.

Martinez dazzles

The highlight of the day was Carlos Martinez's one-run, three-hit work for 5 1/3 innings as the Cardinals' starter. For the spring, Martinez has given up only two runs and eight hits in 15 1/3 innings as he continues to make it hard for manager Mike Matheny not to put him in the rotation at the start of the season.

Final spring question: Kelly or Martinez?

Mozeliak and Matheny have taken turns holding their opinions close. Matheny teases that he might withhold the fifth starter?s identity until the season gets under way, on March 31 in Cincinnati.

?We don?t have to make a decision today or tomorrow, so why should we?? Mozeliak asked during Tuesday?s break in the Grapefruit League schedule.

Kelly was arguably the most effective starter for the Cards (9-3, 2.28 ERA in 87 IP as starter) in the second half of last season, while Martinez settled comfortably into an 8th inning setup role.

Wainwright pitched 8 shutout innings Friday, using only 83 pitches, allowing only 3 hits and no runs, but he went 0-3 and left 3 runners on base. Bum!

Following Wainwright in the rotation will be Wacha, Miller, Lynn, and either Kelly or Martinez. Lynn has been a little inconsistent, fanning 10 in just 4 innings 2 starts ago but, in his last outing, he walked three and struck out five and wasn't as efficient for 80 pitches as the Cardinals have desired this spring.

This is interesting, but I think it belongs in the MLB section. Not really Orioles-related, unless I missed something.

[El Gordo]

This is interesting, but I think it belongs in the MLB section. Not really Orioles-related, unless I missed something.

So we'll be better acquainted with the Cards when we face them in the WS?

[theobird]

Interesting. Young, Reimold and Pearce in the lineup today. At least one of them will be gone tomorrow.

[Redskins Rick]

Really hope they get this game in. Looking forward to seeing these battles shake out, as well as having a look at Lombardozzi.

well, in case it doesn't happen.

http://m.mlb.com/video/v31052209

http://m.mlb.com/video/v30687327

[Tx Oriole]

This is interesting, but I think it belongs in the MLB section. Not really Orioles-related, unless I missed something.

I was thinking the same thing.

[El Gordo]

.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES O (vs. D-RAYS, 3/27) O[spring Training]

Nick Markakis - RF

David Lough - LF

Adam Jones - CF

Chris Davis - 1B

Nelson Cruz - DH

J.J. Hardy - SS

Matt Wieters - C

Ryan Flaherty - 3B

Steve Lombardozzi - 2B

Ubaldo Jimenez - RHP (13-9, 3.30 ERA) *

* [iNDIANS]

OPPOSING PITCHER

Alex Cobb - RHP (11-3, 2.76 ERA)

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php

This looks a lot like a lineup we'll see against most RHP, to start the season anyway.

[Johnny Cobba]

This looks a lot like a lineup we'll see against most RHP, to start the season anyway.

Agreed 100%. Where does Lough go when Machado is back? The 9 hole?

Also, has anyone mentioned Wieter's new setup at the plate from the left side? Same stance but his hands are setup away from his body more instead of resting the bat on his left shoulder. The hands aren't as exaggerated as Hardy but noticeable for sure. Hope this helps.

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[Going Underground]

This looks a lot like a lineup we'll see against most RHP, to start the season anyway.

Very close except Wieters and Hardy are flipped.

Orioles

Nick Markakis RF

David Lough LF

Adam Jones CF

Chris Davis 1B

Nelson Cruz DH

Matt Wieters C

J.J. Hardy SS

Ryan Flaherty 3B

Steve Lombardozzi 2B

Ubaldo Jimenez RHP

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-vs-red-sox-starting-lineups-20140402,0,2683324.story#ixzz2xlETj1u6

[El Gordo]

Very close except Wieters and Hardy are flipped.

Orioles

Nick Markakis RF

David Lough LF

Adam Jones CF

Chris Davis 1B

Nelson Cruz DH

Matt Wieters C

J.J. Hardy SS

Ryan Flaherty 3B

Steve Lombardozzi 2B

Ubaldo Jimenez RHP

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-vs-red-sox-starting-lineups-20140402,0,2683324.story#ixzz2xlETj1u6

Makes sense. Wieters hits RHP better than Hardy, Bit surprised they played Lombo over Schoop. Maybe an indication that he is only here until Manny comes back?

[El Gordo]

Very close except Wieters and Hardy are flipped.

Orioles

Nick Markakis RF

David Lough LF

Adam Jones CF

Chris Davis 1B

Nelson Cruz DH

Matt Wieters C

J.J. Hardy SS

Ryan Flaherty 3B

Steve Lombardozzi 2B

Ubaldo Jimenez RHP

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-vs-red-sox-starting-lineups-20140402,0,2683324.story#ixzz2xlETj1u6

Makes sense. Wieters hits RHP better than Hardy, Bit surprised they played Lombo over Schoop. Maybe an indication that he is only here until Manny comes back?

[Can_of_corn]

Makes sense. Wieters hits RHP better than Hardy, Bit surprised they played Lombo over Schoop. Maybe an indication that he is only here until Manny comes back?

Despite my faux outrage earlier my guess is Buck just wants to get everyone (non-catcher division) into one of the first couple games to get their feet wet.

[JayThomas]

I would've preferred Lough leading off followed by Markakis ... a little more speed up top and better bat control in the 2-hole.

[Bahama O's Fan]

Was anyone else expecting Pearce today?

[CA-ORIOLE]

Was anyone else expecting Pearce today?

Yeah, might as well carry the rule 5 guy when he gets off the DL over Pearce and Young. Makes no sense.

[OFFNY]

o

FELIX DOUBRONT O (APRIL 4th)

IP:. 5.33

H:o 6

R:O 3

BB: 1

SO: 4

Pitches: 76 (51 Strikes, 25 Balls)

2013 ERA: 5.06

********************

17 (91 Strikes, 8 Balls)

91 (61 Strikes, 3 Balls)

71 (61 Strikes, 1 Balls)

20 (12 Strikes, 8 Balls)

10 (81 Strikes, 2 Balls)

13 (10 Strikes, 3 Balls) *

* Doubront recorded one out before departing in the 6th inning.