With Prince Albert making noises before the start of spring training that, if his elbow flares up again this year, he’ll shut it down and pack it in for the year to have surgery, there’s several issues of concern.
First, without being offensive to the rest of the team, he’s officially admitting the Cardinals will be in rebuilding mode this year.
Second, by talking this early, he’s admitting he’s worried about his wing. And so is manager Tony La Russa:
Although Pujols’ numbers last season were typically eye-popping — a .327 batting average, 32 home runs, 103 RBIs — La Russa noticed something different with Pujols’ swing.
“We’ll definitely monitor it,” La Russa said Saturday. “Talking to the trainers this morning one of the biggest issues will be throwing so we’ll be on the careful side of really firing it. He could make a swing that could tweak it, too. It’s one of those deals.”
The injury has been more bothersome throwing rather than hitting. But so far Pujols has done both during his early arrival.
OK, and it’s time for another sports poll here.
Where do you all think the Birds finish in the NL Central this year? My vote is second (Cubs win), but no wild card spot. (And, I’m assuming Pujols is there for most of the year.)
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