By Jim Callis
August 22, 2003

Minutes after bolstering their bullpen with Mike DeJean, the Cardinals addressed their rotation with a second trade on Friday. St. Louis sent minor league pitchers Justin Pope and Ben Julianel to the Yankees for Sterling Hitchcock.

Hitchcock, a 32-year-old lefthander, signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Yankees as a free agent after the end of the 2001 season. The idea was that he would pitch in New York's rotation, but the club continually acquired other pitchers and Hitchcock has made just three starts in the last two years. He hasn't pitched well, either, going 1-3, 5.44 in 27 appearances in 2003. In 50 innings, he has a 36-18 strikeout-walk ratio and a .285 opponent average (.304 by righties). Hitchcock throws a fastball, curveball, splitter and changeup, and his stuff is rather ordinary. But with Jeff Fassero and Brett Tomko struggling mightily, the Cardinals may use him as a starter. In 269 career games, Hitchcock has gone 69-72, 4.80. He'll be a free agent again after the season.

Pope, a 23-year-old righthander, was St. Louis' first-round pick in 2001 out of the University of Central Florida. After going 10-5, 1.95 over his first two minor league seasons, Pope hasn't looked good this year. His arm speed has slowed down, and his fastball has dropped to 86-88 mph. He also throws a slider and changeup. In 20 games (18 starts) at high Class A Palm Beach, he has gone 4-11, 4.92 with a 69-33 K-BB ratio and a .289 opponent average in 106 innings.

Julianel, a 23-year-old lefty, also was a 2001 Cardinals draft pick, a 12th-rounder from San Diego State. Repeating the low Class A Midwest League, he has been dominant for Peoria: 4-2, 1.05 and nine saves in 51 games, 78-25 K-BB ratio in 52 innings, one homer allowed, .215 opponent average. His stuff isn't nearly that spectacular, as he works in the mid-80s and tops out at 89. But he has a deceptive delivery that gives him a chance to become a lefty specialist.