Chris Carpenter

[STLCards2]

Chris Carpenter's track record:

2002-2003: misses both seasons with injuries
2004: 15-5 with the 2004 juggernaught Cards - misses last month of season and playoffs
2005:Cy Young
2006: 3rd in Cy Young voting
2007: makes one start and goes on DL and gets T.J. surgery
2008: after missing 1.5 seasons, starts 4 games with a 1.76 ERA before getting hurt again.
2009: 0.00 ERA in two starts to open season, goes back on the DL. Comes back in a month, and gives up 3 ER in 4 starts/28 IP.

A lot of great pitchers struggle with injuries, of course, but I have never seen a pitcher with the ability to pitch so well so quickly after missing so much time...over and over again.

Is there any precident for what Carp is doing?

[Bennybosox]

Chris Carpenter's track record:

2002-2003: misses both seasons with injuries
2004: 15-5 with the 2004 juggernaught Cards - misses last month of season and playoffs
2005:Cy Young
2006: 3rd in Cy Young voting
2007: makes one start and goes on DL and gets T.J. surgery
2008: after missing 1.5 seasons, starts 4 starts with a 1.76 ERA before getting hurt again.
2009: 0.00 ERA in two starts to open season, goes back on the DL. Comes back in a month, and gives up 3 ER in 4 starts/28 IP.

A lot of great pitchers struggle with injuries, of course, but I have never seen a pitcher with the ability to pitch so well so quickly after missing so much time...over and over again.

Is there any precident for what Carp is doing?

I'm really not sure if there is any precident for what he is doing. Looking at that "track record" you've posted, that's just amazing stuff if it's accurate (which I'm sure it is).

It's pretty crazy to see all of this "who's the next 300 game winner" stuff with Randy Johnson getting his last night. I have no doubt that barring injury Chris Carpenter would certainly be next in line (or close to the top). It's a shame his career has been so derailed by injury-- The guy's a winner, plain and simple-- not to mention he's got great stuff