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Q-C keeps tandem starter system

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By Steve Batterson | Friday, April 04, 2008 |

Shaun Garceau welcomes the idea of having the baseball in his hand to open the 2008 Midwest League season.

“I’m always ready to take the mound, but to take it on opening night, that’s great. It’s an honor, and I’m looking forward to it,’’ said the right-hander who is scheduled to start for Quad-Cities in its 7 p.m. home opener today against Wisconsin.

Garceau and the Timber Rattlers’ scheduled starter, 6-foot-5 right-hander Nathan Adcock, know what they’re getting into.

They both pitched in the league in 2007. Garceau went 8-11 with 4.86 ERA for Quad-Cities, while Adcock posted a 2-8 record and 3.70 ERA for Wisconsin.

As was the case a year ago, the River Bandits will use a tandem starter system that includes a strict pitch count and pairs four sets of two pitchers who rotate between starting and relief roles every fourth day.

The Cardinals organization instituted the system at every stop in its minor league organization from the Quad-Cities on down a year ago, meaning that almost every pitcher on the Q-C roster understands what he’s getting into.

“It was different coming from college, but if it prevents injuries the way they claim it does, it’s probably a good thing,’’ said Thomas Eager, who was part of the tandem system at short-season Batavia (N.Y.) last year after being chosen in the fifth round of the 2007 draft.

“We’ve all had a pretty competitive spring and we’re anxious to get the season started.’’

Blake King, who joins Garceau as the only returning pitchers on the Quad-City roster, says the River Bandits’ rotation is solid.

“There are some good arms on this staff, and with the system we’re all going to get a chance to work and get some innings in,’’ King said.

Garceau said that while the Quad-Cities staff is young, he does believe it can compete in the Midwest League.

“We have a good mix of guys and that will help us,’’ Garceau said. “Coming back, I know what to expect and that can only help.’’

Steve Batterson can be contacted at (563) 383-2290 or sbatterson@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.