Cards well-stocked with pitchers for MLB `13
As the news of free agent pitcher Zack Greinke signing a big contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers surfaced, the St. Louis Cardinals are considering their options for the upcoming year. Their pitching stock seems sufficiently filled. But a lot of things
need consideration before making the final decision.
The 2012 Major League Baseball left in its fold a lot for the St. Louis Cardinals. It was a year when they were to defend the World Series championship, and it was a year that they were to play without another ace – Chris Carpenter.
In 2011, before the commencement of the MLB season, the Cardinals received the news of Adam Wainwright’s requiring Tommy John surgery – implying he would lose the whole season. That eventually did; the accomplished pitcher could not pitch.
However, much as the development was shocking for the Cards, adverse as the situation was, the club had a wonderful combination available which went on to help them regain the seemingly lost ground.
With the best offence at their disposal – as Albert Pujols empowered the lineup, it was Chris Carpenter who came forward as the saviour when it came to strengthening and dominance of the defence.
His instrumentality proved incredible, eventually helping the team to win the World Series title, defeating the Texas Rangers in some of the toughest-fought best-of-seven games.
This year, a development that the Cardinals might not have anticipated, it was Carpenter who fell victim to injury - occasional forearm numbness, requiring Tommy John surgery. He was to miss the whole season, so it seemed.
While he made a return at the final weeks of the regular season, the Cardinals had their share of challenge. Even though they ultimately managed to secure a Wild Card berth – the way they did the past year, there were some bigger stumbling blocks.
The Cardinals won the National League Division Series, but were eliminated by the San Francisco Giants in the National League Championship Series. The return of Carpenter, it seemed, could not quite bring with itself what the Cardinals were looking for.
But as the Spring Training nears, the Cardinals are looking to ensure a strong starting combination this time round. Carpenter, Jaime Garcia, Jake Westbrook and Adam Wainwright will be among first four starters. The final one is to be brought in from the
young right handers.
Thus if things go well, with no pitcher rendered unfit, the Cardinals will be one of the solid pitching lineups in the league.
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