Why Miles Mikolas?
One would think signing your best pitcher from the previous year to an extension would be a good thing. However after the news That the Cardinals inked 18 game winner Miles Mikolas to a 4 year extension worth a reported $68 million dollars. Many Cardinal fans have not only questioned the move but some seem outright upset with it. while I did think it would happen closer to mid season and probably more in the 2 yr with an option range. This deal is really a good move for St Louis and here is why I think that.
Drafted in 2009 by the San Diego Padres Mikolas was thought to be a starter. His first year in A- ball with
2010 Eugene Emeralds he pitched in 15 games started 11 1-8 with a 5.94 ERA 1.623WHIP 39 SO and 9 BB in 53 IP
2011 Re-imagined as a RP the next year he was moved to A ball in
Fort Wayne
6-3 with a 2.20 ERA 1.114 WHIP, 78 SO, 17 BB in 81.2/3 IP with 13 saves
2012 he split time between A+ and AA ball and the big club. he was
4-0 with a 1.38 ERA with a 1.042 WHIP with 69 SO 17 BB in 72 IP with 24 saves.
2012 he went from AA to AAA to the Padres. with comparable numbers.
minors 3-2 3.09 ERA 1.469 WHIP 28 SO 11 BB in 32 IP with 4 saves
with the Padres 2-1 3.62 ERA 1.454 WHIP 23 SO 15 BB 32 1/3 IP in 9 Relief appearances
2013 at AAA Tuscon 4-2 3.25 ERA, 1.295 WHIP 40 SO 18 BB in 61 IP and 26 saves.
Traded to Texas in AAA Round Rock in
2014 5-1 3.22 ERA 1.245 WHIP 38 SO 3 BB in 44 2/3 IP 16 games 6 as a starter. then called up to the Rangers. he went 2-5 with a 6.44 ERA 1.430 WHIP 38 SO 18 BB in 57 IP over 10 games.
2015
After going to Japan and signing a 1 year deal Yomirui Giants he went 13-3 with a 1.92 ERA ,897 WHIP 107 SO 23 BB he was signed for 2 more years finishing his 3 year stint with a 31-13 with a 2.18 ERA 0.994 WHIP 378 SO and 69 BB in 62 starts totaling 424.2/3 IP.
Last year with St Louis
18-4 2.83 ERA 1.071 WHIP 146 SO with 33 BB logging 200 IP in 32 games. He was Selected as an All-Star and finished 6 in the Cy Young balloting.
For his career he has always had a very solid SO/BB ratio routinely 2/1 as well as a SO/9 of over 6. He almost always gets to the 7th inning. While some question 4 years for a 30Yr old pitcher with only 1 good MLB season. I think it was a solid decision he has always been a control pitcher and durable. With the uncertainty in pitchers like Wacha, Reyes and Martinez having a wise veteran around to stabilize the rotation is a key component. Mikolas provides that and with his relief experience if need be he could shift to the pen. Plus he is a tough competitor and keeps you in the game. The price tag at $68 million dollar it is a cost effective move that will not hamper other moves if needed. Such as picking up a player at the deadline if needed. people may be upset because we didn't sign Keuchel or trade for Kluber but signing Mikolas is a good move.
As always thanks for reading
hit me up on facebook Donald A Glenn Jr
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