When the Cardinals signed free agent Kent Mercker, they figured him as a candidate for the back end of their starting rotation in 1998. What they didn’t project is that he would be their top winner and most prolific starter.
Seeking a replacement for Andy Benes, who departed to the Diamondbacks after being declared a free agent, the Cardinals signed Mercker on Dec. 16, 1997.
Though he had an 8-11 record with the 1997 Reds, Mercker was in demand as a free agent. He got one-year offers from multiple clubs. The Cardinals gave him a two-year contract for $5.5 million.
The Cardinals envisioned Mercker, 29, joining a rotation of Todd Stottlemyre, Matt Morris, Donovan Osborne and Alan Benes.
Investing in potential
Mercker, a left-hander, debuted in the major leagues with the 1989 Braves. He spent seven seasons (1989-1995) with the Braves and was a reliever for the first five. Used primarily as a starter in 1994, Mercker pitched a no-hitter versus the Dodgers.
In 1996, Mercker pitched for the Orioles and Indians. He joined the Reds in 1997. Two of his eight wins that season were against the Cardinals.
Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty aggressively pursued Mercker when he became available.
“He’s a guy we feel has a great upside,” Jocketty said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “He wasn’t going to be on the market long and we had to act quickly.”
Said Mercker: “I love St. Louis. I love that team. I’m not just saying that because I’m there. I’ve always loved playing there. The city is loyal. As long as you give an effort, they’re on your side.”
Best of the bunch
Mercker didn’t pitch well in 1998 spring training, but when the season opened he was in the rotation with Stottlemyre, Cliff Politte and Manny Aybar. Morris, Osborne and Alan Benes were sidelined because of injuries. Morris and Osborne returned later in April, but Benes sat out the season.
The 1998 Cardinals had a power-packed lineup with Mark McGwire, Ray Lankford, Ron Gant and Brian Jordan. McGwire hit 70 home runs that season; Lankford, Gant and Jordan each hit 25 or more.
Pitching, however, was a problem. Stottlemyre was traded to the Rangers in July. Morris was limited to seven wins in 17 starts. Osborne had five wins in 14 starts. Aybar (six wins, 14 starts) and Politte (two wins, eight starts) spent part of the year in the minor leagues. The Cardinals eventually moved relievers Mark Petkovsek and Kent Bottenfield into the rotation.
Mercker was the one constant. He was durable, though too often ineffective. Mercker was 8-11 with a 5.40 ERA before winning his last three decisions _ he helped himself by hitting a grand slam against the Marlins on Sept. 2 _ and finishing 11-11.
Left-handed batters hit .316 against him and right-handers, .309.
Still, Mercker led the Cardinals staff in wins (11), starts (29) and innings pitched (161.2). For Mercker, 1998 was the only one of his 18 major-league seasons in which he achieved a double-digit wins total.
In 1999, Mercker was 6-5 with a 5.12 ERA for St. Louis. In August, the Cardinals traded him to the Red Sox for two minor-leaguers, pitcher Mike Matthews and catcher Dave Benham.
Mercker’s two-year totals with the Cardinals: 17-16 with a 5.09 ERA.
Previously: Cardinals pitchers enjoy grand slam streak
Merker was the pitcher of record when McGuire hit 62. His stuff was…what’s the opposite of electrifying?
Good call on Kent Mercker getting the start and the win in Cardinals’ 6-3 victory over the Cubs at St. Louis on Sept. 8, 1998, when Mark McGwire hit his 62nd home run of the season, breaking the single-season big-league mark of Roger Maris.