JUPITER, Fla. — It was four years ago that a young righthander unleashed such lightning upon the Cardinals during spring training that they decided, on the eve of opening day, they couldn’t start the season without him in the bullpen.
Everything about Jordan Hicks happened quick from his sinker to his rise to the majors, his success at closer to his claim to the fastest pitch and then his exit with an elbow injury.
Now the Cardinals have a plan to give him something lacking in the years since his electric debut, his 104 mph fastball, something as vital as his velocity — staying power.