4) Tim Cooney – LHP
Date of Birth: December 19, 1990
Height/Weight: 6′ 3″/195 lbs.
Bats/Throws: Left/Left
Acquired: Drafted in the 3rd round in 2012
Cooney had a brief stint in the majors last year, putting up a nice 3.16 ERA in the process. Unfortunately due to an appendectomy Cooney missed the last part of the season and thus finds himself back on this list. Sure, he is proven at the MLB level, but in a very brief stint. While it was key to building the lefty’s confidence, his ceiling is not as high as the players ahead of him, although his floor may be higher.
Unfortunately for Cooney, the Cardinals have all their rotation spots filled. Should something happen to any of the starters, Cooney will be the first pitcher called upon to take their place. Cooney’s low 90s fastball with life is what makes him effective, as well as his location. The lefty has an assortment of other pitches too, including a solid changeup, a low-80s slider, hard cutter, and mid-70s curveball. Cooney will get his chances this season, and with Jaime Garcia on a one-year deal, Cooney could be auditioning for a 2016 rotation spot.
Pretty good list. I disagree that Luke Weaver has ace potential. He has a wiry body that calls into question him being a workhorse. Also, serviceable is the highest praise he has gotten on his breaking pitch which bodes better for a mid rotation starter over an ace.