Springfield Promotes Closer Kinney to Triple-A

In a move that was bound to happen sooner or later, the Springfield Cardinals announced after the game on Sunday night, that closer Josh Kinney has been promoted to the AAA Memphis Redbirds of the Pacific Coast League.  Kinney leaves the Cardinals with a record of 4-1, posting an ERA of 1.32.  Kinney led the ballclub with 10 saves and 20 appearances out of the bullpen, allowing a remarkable four earned runs in 27.1 innings worth of work.

Taking Kinney's spot on the roster will be right-hander Stuart Pomeranz, just called up from the Florida State League.  Pomeranz, a second round draft pick from the 2004 June Draft, was 2-5 with the Palm Beach Cardinals but had an ERA of 3.35 in eight starts.  Pomeranz will go into the rotation and follow Randy Leek, making his first Double-A start on Tuesday night in Midland. 

The Cards hit the road after two tough losses over the weekend at home to the Arkansas Travelers.  The Cards fell on Sunday by a final score of 6-5, as the Travs took three of five in the series.  Springfield opens up a seven-game road trip on Monday night in Midland against the first place club in the West Division.  Randy Leek (3-2) will look to make it two straight wins, as he'll throw for Springfield.  Steven Bondurant (3-2) will go for the Midland RockHounds.  Game time on Monday night is 6:30, while the Farmer's Insurance pre-game show begins on JOCK 98.7 FM at 6:15.  The Cardinals return home a week from tonight to battle the same Midland RockHounds at Hammons Field.  Tickets are always available by calling (417) 863-2143 or by visiting www.springfieldcardinals.com.