Cardinals top prospect Shelby Miller and his primary competition for the fifth starter role, Joe Kelly, both pitched in the same game Thursday. Kelly allowed just one earned run in four strong innings. Miller gave up three on six hits in 2 2/3.
And then came this fun quote from manager Mike Matheny after the game: "You have a hard time really ignoring what Joe did," Matheny told MLB.com, referring to Kelly's 16 starts last year. "He came in and gave us a great opportunity to win every time he started. He gave us quality starts."
Hmm. Sounds to me like he's leaning toward Kelly, and based on spring performance, you really can't blame him. Miller was looking like a terrific late-round sleeper in head-to-head leagues because of his RP eligibility, but now I'm a little wary of drafting him.