Cardinals’ pitcher Chris Carpenter’s second trip to the pitcher’s mound was successful as he got through his session of 20 pitches which included breaking balls without any issues in his shoulder or elbow.
Late last week, Carpenter threw off a mound for the first time since November elbow surgery and threw 10 fastballs. Sunday, he cranked it up and added some nasty looking breaking balls. Carpenter still on track to pitch on the 28th in a game against the Nationals.
Albert Pujols arrived in camp and spent time talking with reporters. He too had elbow surgery and while he claims he’s healthy, he admitted he may not take part in the World Baseball Classic in March, much to the delight of manager Tony LaRussa.
This will allow Pujols to ease into playing form, but the biggest obstacle may be the fact the WBC will not insure Pujols because of his recent surgery. Pujols also said that as long as the Cardinals remain committed to winning, he would like to finish his career as a Redbird.
Contract talk has been brought up even though Pujols has two years and a club option left on his agreement. His payout for his next contract will be huge, but Pujols also said he couldn’t see leaving a city that has been so good to him and his family for an extra three or four million bucks.
