5th starter determines a lot for roster

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Trying to figure out the Cards 25-man roster at the moment for Opening Day is quite difficult.  For one, you have no idea if there is going to be another free agent added at some point.

Dennys Reyes came to the team in spring training last year just like Kyle Lohse did in 2008.

But aside from anyone else coming, there is one giant variable that will be a huge determining factor when it comes to roster makeup. 

Who is going to be the 5th starter?  Actually, a better way to put it is whether or not Kyle McClellan is going to be that 5th starter.

Jaime Garcia is an excellent fit as that guy because of his potential, his youth and his price tag (or lack of one).  Rich Hill fits best as insurance in AAA.  Kyle McClellan fits best in the bullpen.

Now...what if the team heads south to Jupiter and Garcia and Hill lay eggs?  What happens if one of them gets hurt or just flat out does not cut it?

What if this is finally the year the Cardinals put Kyle McClellan in the starting rotation?  That, if it happened, would change a lot for this ball club.

Taking McClellan out of the bullpen really hurts this Cardinals team.  He is probably the 2nd most reliable right-handed reliever the team has at the moment...after Ryan Franklin, of course.

If you lose him to the rotation, what does that mean for the 'pen?  After Franklin, do you believe Tony La Russa and Dave Duncan would be comfortable with a group consisting of Blake Hawksworth, Mitchell Boggs, Josh Kinney and Jason Motte? 

Um, no.

I like Hawksworth a lot since he's a former super prospect whose career was simply derailed by injuries.  And I believe, if given the chance, he could take McClellan's role without skipping a beat.  But I just don't see the team going into the start of the season with that set up.  If Hawksworth's going to get that chance...he's going to have to earn it during the season.  Not have it handed to him before 2010 even begins.

Should Kyle McClellan be forced into the rotation, lots of dominoes will certainly fall.  They might take 13 pitchers.  They might have to go out and sign someone.  

Whatever it is...keep a close eye on the race for the 5th starter this spring.  It's the most meaningful battle on the roster at the moment.

Even more than 3rd base.