With the news coming down today that Chris Carpenter will likely miss the entire 2013 season, the Cardinals rotation suffered a major setback.
It was expected that Carpenter would return to form in 2013 and be a co-anchor with Adam Wainwright. This latest setback will most likely end Carpenter’s career.
With Carpenter being lost, the Cardinals are going to have to replace an expected 15-18 wins in the rotation. It is a good thing the current Cardinal roster is filled with the talent to possibly fill those shoes.
In addition to quality starting-pitching talent lining the roster, the Cardinals could also look to free agency to fill the void left by Carpenter.
One thing is certain, John Mozeliak is already evaluating all his options—with his track record of success, chances are he’ll makes the right call.
The Cardinals organization, the fans and baseball in general will miss Chris Carpenter. When healthy, Chris Carpenter’s stuff is as good as anyone in the majors. But it’s not looking good that he’ll make it back to the mound again.
If this was it for Carpenter, it was a good ride. Three All-Star appearances, a Cy Young and playoff dominance, including his Game 5 gem in the 2011 NLDS, will shape his legacy.
All that said, here are three reasons things will be just fine without Chris Carpenter in the rotation.