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Brett Cecil Signing Adds Veteran Presence to St. Louis Cardinals’ Bullpen

By Richard Bradley

Oct 17, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Brett Cecil (27) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the seventh inning in game three of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Brett Cecil (27) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the seventh inning in game three of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Although Brett Cecil is coming of his worst season in the majors, the Cardinals are betting his 2016 campaign was a fluke.

In a move designed to strengthen their bullpen, the St. Louis Cardinals signed southpaw Brett Cecil last week to a four-year deal worth $30.5 million dollars. General manager John Mozeliak officially welcomed the newest Redbird on Monday, November 21st.

When asked about the move, Mozeliak was quoted as saying: “If we were going to make a splash in the bullpen, he was the one we identified.”

Although Cecil is coming off his worst season since converting to relief full-time in 2013, the Cards are betting his 2016 campaign was a fluke, as he spent roughly six weeks on the DL due to a triceps injury.

Cecil was acquired to fill a void created by injuries. Zach Duke will likely miss the upcoming season due to Tommy John surgery. Additionally, relief pitcher Tyler Lyons‘ status is in question because of a knee injury. This calculated move allows Cecil to complement fellow lefty Kevin Siegrist by adding a stable, veteran presence.

It will be both pitchers’ job to set up the Cardinal closer. This will be welcome news to the ears of Seung-Hwan Oh, who was named the club’s primary closer earlier this year.

Next: Should the Cardinals Reunite with Tony Cruz?

Brett Cecil has spent has spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Toronto Blue Jays. He has a lifetime ERA of 4.20, while posting 41 wins versus 42 loses. However, since becoming a full-time reliever in 2013; the veteran southpaw has posted a 2.90 ERA in 243 appearances.

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