Pitching: Better or Worse?

However, Strauss later states, "(the Cardinals) all but ruled out Joel Piñeiro for his next start because of acute back spasms that began Saturday and lasted into Sunday."

With Piñeiro potentially out for days or weeks on end, the Cardinals could do one of two things:

1. Give Piñeiro's start(s) to Brad Thompson, who went 2-0 with a 3.45 ERA in 3 starts with Class AAA Memphis.
2. Promote a pitcher from Class AAA. If the Cards choose this option, they will likely give Mitchell Boggs the call-up, who is the probable starter for the Memphis Redbirds tonight.

Blake's Take: Thompson has seen very little time in the majors this year, pitching in just 14.2 innings. Boggs, however, pitched in 5 games, including 4 starts, before being sent to Class AAA. Given Boggs' 4 "strong" starts and his 3.20 ERA, he would be the safest to choose from.

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In other Cardinal news, Brendan Ryan has assumed the everday role at shortstop with Khalil Greene placed on the DL for his severe case of social anxiety disorder.

"It's difficult for me right now," said Greene. "It's difficult for me to manage."

Greene has been known to punish himself, both physically and verbally. He actually missed the last two months of the 2008 season with a hand injury that came from smashing it against a luggage trunk in frustration.

The Cardinals report that Greene is still visiting his personal doctor, but will interfere if no they see little or no progression.

Blake's Take: Social anxiety disorder is a very treatable mental illness, but only if it's caught early. Who knows how long Greene's been suffering from this? The first known incident was obviously late 2008, but if you take a look at his career statistics, it could've occured as early as 2005.

YEAR.....BA.....K's

2004----.273---94

2005----.250---93

2006----.245---87

2007----.254---128

2008----.213---100