Lohse Turning out to Be Great Signing for Surging Cards

Kyle Lohse was a late signing in March by the Cardinals.  He was a free agent who split time between the Reds and the Phillies last season.

Loshe entered the offseason hoping to get a good deal with a club, but as time passed, no one picked up on him. 

Then the Cardinals came along, and they knew they needed a good quality arm to help take relief off their bullpen. Lohse signed with the Cards late in spring training and made two starts for the club showing strong stuff.

Then, with the Cardinals original opening day washed out, Lohse got the call.  He was to pitch opening day for the Cardinals in front of a packed house. 

He pitched five innings, gave up three hits, and allowed no runs. He would go over 14 innings to start his Cardinal career.

Lohse pitched against the conference rivals Brewers today and went seven innings, giving up two earned runs, striking out three, and walking none.

Though he didn't get the decision in the game, he has a 1.48 ERA, which is tied for second in the National League.

Lohse is trying to earn a spot in the rotation with the rest of the starting staff closing in on returns. If he continues to pitch as good as he has been, the Cardinals staff could shape up to be one of the most promising in the league.

That's if Carpenter, Mulder, and Clement all come back to their normal form. The staff would be quite tough with Carpenter as the ace leading the staff, followed by Mulder who looks to return to the form of his Oakland days.

He would most likely be followed by Adam Wainwright, who is also off to a hot start. Wrapping up the back of the rotation would be Matt Clement, who also looks to return to the form of his Cub days. Kyle Loshe would round out the rotation in the five spot.  

Come the second half of the season this team could have one of the best staffs on paper, but only time will tell what is in store for the pitching staff.

Watching Lohse, it's hard to believe that so many teams passed him by. But the Cardinals are pleased with what they have got out of him, and they hope that his success in Cardinal red continues as the season progresses.