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After a struggling season in 2021, Springfield Cardinals manager Jose Leger has a better feeling about 2022.
“We just need to pitch better, we were dead last in the league in pitching, this year we are more complete let’s put it that way. I think our bullpen is going to be stronger than last year so we’re looking forward to doing a better job,” Leger said.
Leading the way on the bump will be returning right-hander Dalton Roach.
“Huge to have Dalton last year, he provided so many innings for us and I saw him in spring training and he’s ready. He’s ready to be part of our rotation again and provide innings again and hopefully have a good year,” said Springfield’s skipper.
“Coming somewhere where I’ve spent a lot of time, a whole year, I mean that’s a lot of comfort just for the fact that I know how the mound is, I know how the field plays I kind of have an idea of things you need to do and things you need to stay away from,” Roach added.
The Cards are also bringing back shortstop Delvin Perez.
“This is going to be a big year for Delvin, I think he got his feet wet last year and he tasted a little bit of what AA ball is and he is great. He had a steady season,” said Leger.
“I start here, my mentality is to stay ready, stay healthy, play hard every day and go from there,” said Perez.
The biggest draw for fans will be the organization’s top prospect Jordan Walker. The 6’5” 19-year-old is showing a lot of promise and is eager to get going in the Queen City.
“Everybody in the organization says it’s a hitter’s ballpark so compared to Peoria and Palm Beach where it didn’t really go for hitters it’s really exciting to play in a ballpark that kind of flies a little bit,” Walker said.
“He’s got power, he’s a good hitter, he had a great season last year at two levels. He’s only 19 and you can see the way he handles himself and he’s just special and he can hit,” said Leger.
The Spring Cards begin their season Friday at Hammons Field.
