Post by Matt on Nov 3, 2020 14:49:08 GMT -5
Groans and gasps were heard all across St Louis earlier this week, and it was an eerie feeling in the Cardinal clubhouse. Just days after losing veteran 1B Lorenzo Gray, the injury bug hit the Redbirds again, this time in starting pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. We can't really report what Valenzuela said, because nearly every word would have to be censored, but who can blame him after missing a majority of last season with an injury. "There was definitely that sense in the clubhouse," Said Carpenter. "We went through this last season and we're for sure watching our every move right now."
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It's well known that the Cardinals had injury after injury last year, including Valenzuela, Morris Madden and the recently recalled Chili Davis. "It's scary right now playing. We know how big of a blow injuries were last year and it's starting again this year. Not fun," said Davis. "We're all carrying whatever lucky charms we've got and not stepping on any cracks, ever." Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the prime candidate to replace Valenzuela in AAA is Atlee Hammaker...and you guessed it, he's injured as well!
With Gray and Valenzuela both out for over a month, we'll see what the Cardinals can do to stay in the playoff race. "We're not going to make any desperation trades. We've done that in the past and it's done more long term damage than immediate help," Carpenter said as he took a deep breath. "Any major trades for us now won't happen until closer to the deadline. We can't judge what the team really can do until then." As previously mentioned, there isn't much in the cupboard in AAA and there's even less to try and facilitate a trade for replacements, so for now the roster of 24 will have to stand their ground and keep the ball rolling.
Stay tuned, we have seen in the past that the Cardinals will surprise some people with trades after a press conference like this, reacting to injuries instead of being patient. The front office swears that won't be the case this time, but that's yet to be seen. "We don't anticipate any major trades at this point, but if we could swap anyone for a decent arm, you never know. Pitching is always a premium for us," said Carpenter. "We're doing our best to let stud prospect Paul Quantrill get one more year of experience in AAA, but we'll see if the baseball gods allow that this year."
