We kinda knew it was going to happen but we did not need him going to a division rival. Springer to Cards Free-agent reliever Russ Springer, who pitched for the Cardinals in 2003, signed a one-year contract with St. Louis today. Springer, 38, is a righthanded specialist who pitched the last three seasons for Central Division rival Houston. He was a Type A free agent and was not offered arbitration by the Astros. Springer is a 14-year major-league veteran who appeared in 72 games for Houston in 2006 and was 1-1 with a 3.47 earned-run average. Opponents batted .211 against Springer in '06. STLtoday.com will have more on this story later.
Springer really is a neat story. When the Astros signed him, he was retired in the back woods of LA after a ho-hum career. He signed (iirc) a Minor League contract, then made the big club and turned in three verrah nice seasons. So, dude went from retiree-signing-minor-league-deal to "Type A free agent". Kudos to you, Springs, and all the best--except I hope my Astros kick your ass.
I liked Springer because you could bring him in in several different types of situations. My favorite role for him to come in was when we'd be down by a couple of runs. He could almost always keep us within striking distance and give us a chance to come back. Too bad he's gone. We had better get some bullpen help as well as starting pitching, unless they think Sampson and Nieve are going to step up and do the job in bigger roles.
No big deal. Springer was decent but his ERA is misleading. He rarely pitched in pressure situations. I wouldn't be suprised too see him have like 5 ERA next year and get DFA.
Good for him, but he was scary on the mound with his straight as an arrow fastball. The only player who seemed worse at giving up the long ball was Astacio....well, and Lidge.. DD
He went to the Cardinals!? Tha'ts great! This guy was horrible. Every time he came out that bullpen I would hold my breath. It's going be nice to see him blow some leads for the Cardinals.
cmon, we wasnt that bad... and if you're really think your not gonna be worried with Lidge pitching to cards losing leads, you're a joke. chron reported last week that Garner says Lidge is still his closer for the upcoming season...
I agree. Everytime he stepped on the mound in like the 6th inning and the Astros were down by a run or two, I knew the game was over. I never understood why Gardner played him so much
I agree and I disagree, yes he was scary every time he pitched but he was close to 2 runs better than your boy Lidge when it came to ERA
springer wasn't bad last year. not every guy can be a lights out closer or setup man which again, for the most part, the astros have spoiled us with for a long time. he's was very solid for us.
The Cardinals better load up on bullpen help. They're moving their entire bullpen to the starting rotation!!
Wow, that pyramid thing is pretty cool...never seen it done before. Kudos for showing me something new. As for springer....ehhh....I won't miss him.
I am Russ Springers Number 1 Fan. GO CARDINALS!!!! I hope the Cardinals beat the Astros everytime he plays them GO BIRDS! ST LOUIS RULZ. Most Dangerous CITY BABY! F! Houston. East St Louis DAWDFG!
