Rafael Furcal

As we all know Rafael Furcal is instrumental to the success of the St. Louis Cardinals. In the line-up and on the field he is a force of nature, when he is healthy. Last August and September we found out how hard it is to get along without him. When Rafael Furcal went down with his elbow injury, we treaded water for a while but for quite a bit of time it was dangerous territory.

Rafael Furcal was a huge part of the Cardinals World Series win in 2011. In his book, One Last Strike, Tony LaRussa goes into detail about how instrumental Furcal was. It seems like every game LaRussa talks about, he mentions Furcal and the vital role he played. We helped Furcal get his first World Series ring, but he helped us immensely in winning that championship. We also know he can perform on the field when he is healthy. Some of those plays this summer had us all thinking "Wow! How does he do that?" He has such a big range that it makes us wonder how he can cover that area.

The question now is can he stay healthy? Last August we lost him to an elbow injury and it looks like we might lose him for part of the season this year. There is a bone spur in his elbow again and who knows if it is going to push him out of the race for shortstop. We know how great he is, but he is at the point if he doesn't stay healthy, when his contract is up the Cardinals are not going to keep him. That's what happened with Berkman this year and Beltran will be facing the same problem this year.

If we lose Furcal who will we have to replace him? The most obvious choice is Pete Kozma. I think I can safely say I'm not the only girl Cardinal fan who fell in love with him last year. Even before his heroics in game 5 of the NLDS of 2012. I remember watching him last year and thinking the Cardinals were in good hands with him. Also,  we have one of the recent signees Ronny Cedeno as a back up. He has played for many teams all over the league an is expected to back up both second and at short. With these two guys we could be set for the season barring any injuries.

So while the season remains in question whether or not Furcal can compete, and barring any injuries the Cardinals could possibly be set at shortstop. But knowing how the Cardinals work, we never know what to expect with them. Anything can happen especially at the beginning and during the spring, if not they wouldn't be the Cardinals we know and love.

~Emily

Twitter Handle: @emicall_12

Check out archcitysports.com! I'm now blogging for them!

Updates

Well the day we all have been waiting for is come and gone! Pitchers and catchers have finally reported!!! Spring Training has finally begun!! Also all the players are in warmer weather(lucky ducks) and preparing for the season!

I'm so glad because the Cardinals FINALLY came to an agreement with David Freese!! Wahoo! I am sooooo happy!

I am loving getting the updates from Cardinals camp because I looooove being able to see what's going on down in camp! It's so fun seeing all the new faces, the prospects, vying for their shot at the big leagues.

Two more things. I had an old person moment the other day for two reasons. One was the pictures of some special instructors at camp this year. Jim Edmonds and Willie McGee! I'm sure they've been at camp before but all I could think about was, man I grew up watching them! I have a picture with Willie McGee! Also my alma mater, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, signed Jason Isringhausen as a pitching coach! It's so crazy that someone I grew up watching is now working for my alma mater! Granted he hasn't officially retired, he's still looking for a contract from a major league team but its still pretty darn awesome!

Well I know it's been awhile but I needed a break after I didn't make the Fan Cave, but I'm back now. The Cardinals are back in the swing of things and I am very happy! I will write again soon.

~Emily
Twitter: @emicall_12