Time to Part Ways with Mitchell Boggs…Permanently

Photo Credit: FremontTribune.com

For how effective Mitchell Boggs was for the St. Louis Cardinals as a set-up man last season, it is difficult to comprehend how far he has fallen this season. In just under 15 innings pitched, he has allowed 21 hits and 18 earned-runs. He has accumulated 15 walks to just 11 strikeouts–a strike-to-walk ratio that a reliever cannot have if he wants to be successful.

Since being recalled from Triple-A Memphis, Boggs has picked up where he left off before being sent down–allowing earned-runs in three of his four relief appearances. Last night, while trying to preserve the first ML victory for Michael Wacha, he allowed a home run to Jeff Francoeur who had not hit a homer since April 10th this season.

In short, it is time to part ways with Mitchell Boggs. He has options and can be sent down to Triple-A to iron out his mechanics, but it has become much more than mechanical issues for Boggs, now. He has a solid arm, and at just 29 years old, he probably has a lot left in the tank, but for the sake of the Cardinals, he needs to be outright released.

The bullpen has no place for him this season, even with Jason Motte out after elbow surgery.

Here is the breakdown for the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings (if necessary based on the starting pitcher’s outing):

7th Inning: Seth Maness with Randy Choate to take care of left-handed hitters.

8th Inning: Trevor Rosenthal. His stuff is dominant enough to handle both right-handed and left-handed hitters. Plus, it is a good spot for him to develop into the Cardinals future closer.

9th inning: Edward Mujica. He has been perfect this season at 17/17 on save opportunities.

Thus, there is no room for Boggs and if he is limited to long-relief or use in low-pressure situations, then the Cardinals are better off using someone else–someone down on the farm that could use those innings for long-term development.

Mitchell Boggs, thank you for all you did for the Cardinals last season, but it is now time to say goodbye. The Cardinals’ organization and Cardinal nation wish you the best of luck.

Until next time…

Joe
@stlCupOfJoe