Juan Gonzalez is 38 years-old (maybe), and 3 years removed from his last major league plate appearance. Despite these grim realities, the St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly mulling giving the former Texas Rangers slugger and suspected steroid user an invitation to spring training.
The Cardinals have apparently been impressed by accounts of Gonzalez's workouts at Eduardo Perez's Winter Training Program in Puerto Rico. "He really never stopped playing," says former Cardinal Perez. "He looks great, like he hasn't missed a beat. His legs look strong. Once a hitter, always a hitter."
Gonzalez's name coming up in the Mitchell Report would apparently be no greater deterrent to the Cardinals taking a flier on him than the fact that he's well past his prime. That's how desperate the Cardinals are to pick up another hitter.
First Matt Clement, now Juan Gonzalez. Can Felix Jose be far behind?
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St. Louis Cardinals
Tags: juan gonzalez, mitchell report, st. louis cardinals
Comments (2)
Dan,There may be h... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Bill Jempty | January 17, 2008 5:28 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Dan,
There may be hope for Bake McBride even. The Troy Glaus deal seems to rule out bringing back Ken Reitz.
Bill
1. Posted by Bill Jempty | January 17, 2008 5:28 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2008 17:28
2. Posted by Peter F. | January 18, 2008 7:08 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Too bad Pujols is occupying first base, Keith Hernandez could sure use a a change in jobs.
On a more serious note, I think signing Matt Clement is a typical LaRussa/Dave Duncan project. Clement's always had a nasty slider; he's always needed work on his changeup, though. Duncan can fix that, and maybe even add in a cutter or two-seamer that won't be so harsh on his shoulder. From all reports, it sounds as if he's ready to go.
2. Posted by Peter F. | January 18, 2008 7:08 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2008 19:08