Jeff Nelson Released

[love_that_reefer]

Cardinals released RHP Jeff Nelson.
A shocker. Nelson apparently struggled in a minor league game last week, but he had allowed one hit over 5 1/3 scoreless innings in major league games. His phone will probably be ringing off the hook for the next couple of days. Nelson's departure appears to clear the way for Josh Hancock to win a bullpen spt.

The Padres should get all over this. Tamp Bay would be wise to do so too but I doubt he wants to possibly end his career there.

[Fishercat]

Former Red Sox Farmhand beats out Former Yankees Right Hook.

[redsrbetter]

La Russa addresses Nelson release

Cards manager Tony La Russa didn't have to wait long to learn about reliever Jeff Nelson's displeasure with being released Sunday. Nelson told him. The manager then read Nelson's comments, which included surprise over being released even though he'd allowed no runs and just one hit in six appearances.

"When you have to make a tough call and the time has come to make it, if you make it now he's got a week" to land with another club, La Russa said. "Scouts have seen him, and he's got a chance to go someplace with a major-league team. I've seen Jeff a lot over the years. He was getting sharper, but I thought the other guys had an edge on him."

La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan thought Nelson's iffy command made it a risk to grant him a roster spot over one of four remaining relievers, none of whom would make anything close to Nelson's $800,000 salary.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/spo...4?OpenDocument

[love_that_reefer]

So LaRussa did something right? Of course he did, its not the postseason.

[redsrbetter]

Oh man thats rough. They actually did make it to the WS you know?

[Porter]

So how long before hes a Mariner for a 4th time....

[love_that_reefer]

Oh man thats rough. They actually did make it to the WS you know?

Getting there and then coaching like you actually belong there are two different things. Everyone knows LaRussa is not a good coach in the postseason.