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I missed Roberts getting bumped up to Palm Beach just in time for their playoffs. It is a nice bullpen arm to have, and a telling sign of where he starts in 2019.
I assume Roberts will begin in early June as a reliever, and then they would ramp up his pitch count to stretch him out. He can’t do anything in EST, can he?
Roberts can do in EST whatever the Cards want. Players on suspension cannot appear in games for which there is an admission charge. So, if they want him to pitch as a starter, there is ample opportunity for him to prepare. My guess he will slide over from EST to Palm Beach when he comes off his suspension in late May. I will learn more when I swing through EST next month.
It’s too bad he can’t start for Peoria, as their starters have had problems. But then again, Palm Beach seems like the right full season club to begin with. If successful, he could be at Springfield/Memphis with a year, and maybe be a bullpen option for the big club by 2020’s end. He is an important prospect with the lack of lower options in the lower minors.
Griffin certainly could start with Peoria. I did not mean to rule that out as a possibility.
However, he could also be ready for a bigger challenge at Palm Beach. The way I see it, maybe that would allow one of the effective PB starters to move up and help a Springfield rotation that looks like it could use it. No bad scenarios from my vantage point.
Yes, GCL games are free, but they are still official league games. (It wouldn’t matter anyway since their season does not begin until after Roberts’ suspension is over.) A suspended player can participate in minors spring training and instructional camp games because they are considered practice, but not league games. That is a better way to put it.
Again, the relevant point is that Roberts has a place in EST to get ready for when his time in the penalty box ends, so it is not a complete loss.
With no Palm Beach rainouts Roberts’ suspension would end, and make him available to pitch May 29th.
That day can’t come soon enough for the PB-Cards. They used a bullpen start yesterday and as of today that would leave one more start that won’t be covered(Leahy’s turn from PEO). I don’t know of the status of Tewes-Walsh-Oxnevad as far as returning but they will certainly be welcomed.
No word on Walsh or Gingery. I particularly thought Walsh might make it to Springfield before injury.
If May 29th is his return date PB will likely keep that open rotation spot open for him. They never filled the opening after Oviedo and then Rondon were sent up to AA. Only Parsons was added.
"The Paths of Griffin Roberts and Alex Reyes Meet Again"
One #stlcards prospect is off suspension and may replace another talented hurler who was in the same position three years ago. (free)
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I am very curious to see Roberts velocity this spring. Also, I wonder how long a leash he has to be a starter. It was said when was drafted he could be a fast mover as a reliever.
Generally, the Cards don’t make the starter to reliever change until as late as possible as starting gives the pitchers more predictable work and more opportunity to work on breaking pitches. For example, Trevor Rosenthal never pitched a game of relief while a minor leaguer. However, this change has been made earlier in case of injury (such as Junior Fernandez).
Another potential factor is that starting berths at Memphis and Springfield will be tight this season. As you said, it will be interesting to see how Roberts is handled in camp. He will likely be among the ones sent to minors camp fairly early, but if he impresses in big league camp, he could stay longer.
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