Earlier this month the Cardinal organization came to terms with Carlos Villanueva on a minor-league deal. This past week it was reported that Villanueva will make $2MM if he reaches the MLB team.
While the deal seems to be very insignificant in terms of free-agent signings, his impact could shape the future of Marco Gonzales, Tyler Lyons and other young pitching prospects for the 2015 season.
The organization wants Villanueva to make the roster. They want him to be a long-relief solution/spot starter. The minor-league deal was insurance for the Cardinals organization in case Villanueva lost some of his ability. He will join a team that already is overloaded with talent, depth and several questions.
Adam Wainwright had offseason elbow surgery, which was considered to be minor. While he went to see a specialist about abdominal pain, news came on Thursday with a diagnosis of an abdominal strain, the best news for the Cards. Michael Wacha missed most of last season due to injury and did not look strong on his return. While he reports himself as feeling great, it would be foolish to take him at his word. Carlos Martinez is lined-up for the fifth spot in the rotation, but has yet to be stretched out and will require additional rest. If Jaime Garcia were to make the rotation, he has been a man of constant injury.
The team could turn to Gonzales or Garcia to fill-in for injury or spot-starts. However, Gonzales’ development and stamina could be tarnished by moving back and forth from the bullpen to the rotation.
Villanueva can give the opportunity for Gonzales to be sent to Memphis and continue his development as a starter. Spending a majority of his 2015 campaign in a consistent spot can allow for him to become a better pitcher. He can then adapt to a role of either bullpen or rotation in September over roster expansion.
The organization will be keeping a close watch of Wainwright, Wacha and Martinez. It is very likely the one of, or all of these players may occasionally have a start pushed back. Villanueva can slide in and out of the bullpen seamlessly.
He isn’t going to provide outstanding numbers of the bullpen or rotation. He isn’t going to be selected to any all-star teams or be in a race for Cy Young awards. If everything goes well for the Cards, he may only make a handful of starts. Yet, his impact cannot be overlooked if he is good enough to make the roster. While the club may choose to keep Gonzales at the MLB level in the bullpen, this would give them options and flexibility to develop and stretch his arm out in Memphis. It also allows for the team to keep Gonzales in the bullpen the entire year long.
It is on Villanueva to pitch well-enough to make the roster and stay there. The competition to make the team could make him and others better. But his presence for the 2015 season can help impact this season and beyond.
