Chris Duncan is back and completely healthy. He wants to show the team that he should be the one to fill Skip Schumaker's starting spot in the Cardinals very crowded outfield.
After a back surgery last year, Duncan spent the winter in St. Louis working with a former strength coach for the St. Louis Rams. (Don't know how much that helped...seeing anything associated with the Rams worries me.)
Duncan can be a very valuable asset to the 2009 Cardinals. While healthy in 2006 and 2007, Duncan hit 43 home runs in 655 at bats. That comes out to about a home run every 15 times to the plate. If Chris is an every day starter, it is the equivalent of about one home run every four games. Add that power to what we already have got in the lineup and the Cards look very 'run-productive'...on paper at least.
When asked about how he feels about playing baseball again on his repaired back, Duncan responded, "I’m not worried...Seems like everything should be fine. I guess when I start running into some things, we’ll find out."
The Cardinals' coaching coaching staff is excited about getting Duncan back and are trying to remember what he can do for the team. Duncan will be more than happy to remind them exactly what he is capable of.
"I’m excited to re-prove myself. I have to prove I’m healthy, show I’m still a good player … everything else will fall into place," said Duncan.
The offensive output of the 2009 Cardinals should be very high. The only thing everybody is worrying about is pitching.
Deja Vu, eh?
Where Duncan needs the most help is his defense. The last place I would go for defensive help is someone from the Rams!!
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, someone from the Rams is the last place I would turn for offensive help too.
ReplyDeleteI can see it now...Pujols gets beaned. Benches clear. And Duncan is just diving all over the place trying to hit someone, but misses every tackle.