What is a Motte?

Motte reminds me of Walter a little bit, but unlike Walter he is able to pitch on Saturdays despite Shommer Shabbat.

No. 30 - Jason Motte (RP):  Similar to a muppet I am not sure how to answer the title question. Motte is not quite a mop (up reliever) and not quiet the Cardinal's closer... but man....  so to answer the question I don't know.  I do remember seeing Jason Motte make his debut in 2008.  Mark Grace was announcing the game, and the whole time he kept saying "this guy is throwin gas," in a deep voice that sounded like he had just taken a shot of whisky.  Needless to say Mark was very excited about Motte and his fastball that was reaching 98 and 99 mph in a relief appearance.  The Cardinal nation was just as excited with the potential of this fireballer.  I couldn't find a video of it, but his stance back was different and he was always moving prior to throwing the pitch.  He was likely jacked up on mountain dew.   

To many Motte is the closer of the future after Franklin retires.  He was part of the reason the Cardinals felt comfortable in dealing Chris Perez to the Indians.  However in 2009 he blew the save opportunity on opening day and has been used primarly in middle relief.  Last year in 52 1/3 innings pitched he had a 2.24 era and 9.3 Ks/9.  Along with Boggs, he makes up the muscle of the Cards pen so to speak.     

Motte was a former catcher but was turned into a pitcher after a thumb injury in the minors.  He has excelled since being made a reliever.  With McClellan being added to the starting rotation Motte will likely see himself in more hold situations in the 8th inning.  All things considered Motte seems like a likable guy and I hope that he continues to see success with the Cardinals as a reliever and perhaps as the future closer.