The IF's of the 2012 season

As spring training approaches, teams have to look at their roster and plan for the unexpected, plan for the season ending Tommy John surgeries to your ace with a nasty curveball, plan for the midseason broken wrist to your three time MVP. What is the Cardinals plan to bandage up the injuries that are bound to happen in 2012?

IF almost any position player gets hurt, Allen Craig has is covered. Craig can play first base, third base, left field, and right field all on a full time basis. So if Lance Berkman, David Freese, Matt Holliday, or Carlos Beltran are hurt for a significant period of time or just for a game, Allen can fill in until they return. Allen can also play center field as well as second base. Unfortunately, not on a consistent basis. He can probably fill in for a game every now or then, but if Jay or who ever wins the second base job are hurt for a significant amount of time, then Matheny would have to turn to another alternative to fill the hole. Fortunately, the Cardinals have three players, Tyler Greene, Daniel Descalso, and Skip Schumaker, who could fill in at second. Carlos Beltran could move from right to center as long as his knees are good enough for the extra running. If Furcal (or Squirrecal) goes down, Tyler Greene and possibly Daniel Descalso could take his place. At catcher, Tony Cruz, Bryan Anderson, or Steve Hill could take Yadi's spot for awhile. But if he's out for more than a month, then MO might have to look to bring in an veteran catcher because none of those three catchers have significant major league experience.

IF a starter goes down, Kyle McClellan, Lance Lynn, and Marc Rzepczynski would be the three contenders for the spot. However, there are rumors that MO is shopping McClellan to clear cap space for Roy Oswalt. If that were to come to pass, then most likely Jake Westbrook would be sent to the bullpen.

IF closer Jason Motte goes down, Fernando Salas would probably be the one to take over. He would be followed by Eduardo Sanchez, Mitchell Boggs, and then maybe Skip Schumaker who led the major leagues in K/9 IP last season with an 18 K/9. Let's hope it doesn't get to that.