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St. Louis Cardinals spring training roster matrix: Cards cut 6 pitchers from MLB camp

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Pitchers and catchers report earlier than position players to spring training every year so the pitchers can begin the process of gradually working their way into regular-season shape (with the catchers catching the throws that do so). Pitchers start out with relatively small work loads, so teams need a lot of pitchers to eat the innings in early spring exhibitions. As spring training progresses, work loads grow.  The need for innings decreases. Clubs consequently cut pitchers from major-league camp, so they can get work in minor-league camp to get ready for the forthcoming minor-league season. That's precisely what the St. Louis Cardinals did on Saturday, as reported by Paul Hagan at MLB.com.

The Cardinals optioned and reassigned a mix of arms, most of whom are likely to spend the 2015 season in either Memphis or the majors (when a need arises).

None of these cuts is surprising. Nor is the timing. As the updated spring training roster matrix shows, the Cardinals are winnowing their springtime pitching staff down to those who might actually make the opening-day MLB roster.

Here's the color-coding key:
  • Red: Likely 25-man roster member. (I still have Marco Gonzales in red, though it sounds like the coaching staff is leaning toward having him start the season in Memphis if Jaime Garcia, Carlos Martinez, and Kevin Siegrist are healthy and effective come opening day.)
  • Navy Blue: Spring training competition. The bench is still an open question, though the answers appears more and more likely to involve Randal Grichuk and Pete Kozma.
  • Royal Blue: Member of the 40-man roster but unlikely to make the opening-day 25-man active MLB roster.
  • Light Blue: Non-roster invitee.
  • Gray: Optioned or reassigned to minor-league camp.
March 22 Spring Training Roster Matrix

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