Some real good discussion and insight in this thread. Can’t say much more than what you guys have put out there, but will say this. I have disagreed a few times with the Cardinals use of young, talented pitchers being in the bullpen.
The numbers game make is so we have to do that to some degree. But management has made mistakes. The most egregious in my opinion was Hicks. He was moved up at far too young of an age and was more or less forced to throw 100 MPH for short stints. He should have been allowed to develop as a starter in the minors, and coached to not go all out on every pitch.
Does anyone think Liberatore will ever be more than a middle to low end starter? I have watched Arozarena the last few years and cannot understand how the organization could have made that deal. I know we felt over-crowded in the outfield at the time, and lefty pitchers are always in demand. But cranny was especially outspoken against that deal at the time, and I can see why after looking back at it three years later.