[Miz+Zou]

ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals have added some depth to their Minor League rotation with an intriguing signing. Knuckleballing right-hander Charlie Zink has agreed to a Minor League deal with St. Louis.


Zink, 30, has been in the Red Sox organization since 2002. He has made one Major League start, in 2008. He was once regarded as one of the Boston organization's better prospects.

Zink struggled in 2009 at the Red Sox's Triple-A Pawtucket affiliate, going 6-15 with a 5.59 ERA and nearly twice as many walks as strikeouts. A year earlier, however, he was voted the International League's Most Valuable Pitcher.

In 2008 at Pawtucket, Zink posted a 14-6 record, a 2.84 ERA, 106 strikeouts and 49 walks in 174 1/3 innings. For his Minor League career, he is 63-60 with a 4.25 ERA, 595 strikeouts and 521 walks in 1027 1/3 innings. Zink has made 222 Minor League appearances, 153 of them starts.

It is unlikely that Zink will be a serious contender to break camp with St. Louis, but he could offer valuable depth at Triple-A.

The Cardinals have yet to announce their full list of non-roster invitations to Spring Training. One other player who will receive an NRI is infielder Ruben Gotay, who signed earlier in the winter.

Zink's player profile
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By Matthew Leach / MLB.com

[Zip Spin]

A lot of teams like to try and take these high ERA specialty pitchers, fine tune them and have them become the great guy in the pen. It hardly ever works. I suppose it's worth a shot though.

[Miz+Zou]

I really dont know about this kid i mean when i read about him i kinda thought oh yeah look another minor league pitcher but his stats really impress me hes got talent i think he will rise.