Plan to convert Looper from bullpen to starting rotation is no experiment

JUPITER, Fla. -- The St. Louis Cardinals' plan to fit former closer Braden Looper for one of their rotation openings is no trial balloon.

Pitching coach Dave Duncan on Wednesday included Looper, who last started in 1997 in rookie ball, in the team's rebuilt rotation heading into spring training.

He also said Adam Wainwright, the stand-in closer last fall after Jason Isringhausen underwent season-ending hip surgery in September, would begin the spring as one of the five starters.

Anthony Reyes, impressive in the World Series opener, also has a spot to lose when workouts begin today.

Pitchers and catchers reported Wednesday.

A month ago, the Cardinals had only question marks after ace Chris Carpenter and Kip Wells. St. Louis lost Jeff Weaver, Jeff Suppan and Jason Marquis to free agency and Mark Mulder isn't expected back from shoulder surgery until midseason.

For now, Duncan said Carpenter, Wells, Reyes, Looper and Wainwright will get "priority."

"And if they do what I think they're capable of doing, they could very well leave camp as our starting rotation," he said.

Looper, 31, was a setup man most of last season and has no starts in 572 career major league appearances. But Duncan believes he can make the switch, noting a four-pitch repertoire that starts with an "explosive" fastball.

"I don't think it's an experiment," Duncan said. "I certainly wouldn't even consider trying him as a starter if I didn't think that physically and mentally he could do it."

Free agent pickup Ryan Franklin is among the backup options for the rotation.

"But I think Looper has a chance of being something special," Duncan said. "He's got the physical ability to do that, for sure.

"It's just adjusting to a different role."

Isringhausen's progress has embolden the Cardinals to stretch Wainwright, who struck out Carlos Beltran to end the National League Championship Series and Brandon Inge to end the World Series, for starting duty.

Duncan said he's watched Isringhausen play catch twice and throw off the mound once since arriving at the team's spring facility on Friday.

"You can just tell a difference in the way he's landing," Duncan said. "He's in control of his legs. He's got a much more sturdy base to throw from, and it's a big difference now from last year."

Duncan said a mid-March spring training debut for Isringhausen was "pretty realistic."