AOL News has a new home! The Huffington Post.

Click here to visit the new home of AOL News!

Hot on HuffPost:

See More Stories

Juan Gone Is Gone No More

Feb 4, 2008 – 7:17 PM
Text Size
Pat Lackey

Pat Lackey %BloggerTitle%

What seemed like a semi-improbable rumor a month ago is a rumor no more: Juan Gonzalez has signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Yes, THAT Juan Gonzalez. The 1996/1998 AL MVP that's had his name linked to steroids several times in the last couple years and hasn't played a big league game since 2005 and hasn't been relevant since 2001 Juan Gonzalez.

Anyways, it's a minor league contract, as mentioned above, and I know this seems kind of crazy to say, but I think Gonzo might have a shot at making the Cardinals' roster this spring. Their starting outfield is currently (from left to right) Chris Duncan, Rick Ankiel, and Skip Schumaker with Ryan Ludwick and Rule 5 pick Brian Barton on the bench. Since Barton's a Rule 5 pick that just had knee surgery, it's likely that he'll start the season either on the DL or back in the Indians' system. That means all Gonzo has to do to make the club is beat out Schumaker or Ludwick. Crazier things have happened.

Speaking of crazier things, imagine back to the 2001 playoffs. If someone told you when those playoffs kicked off that in seven years, the Cardinals exciting young ace and the Indians aging star outfielder would be playing next to each other in St. Louis' outfield in seven years, you'd think that person was crazy, right?
Filed under: Sports

ON FACEBOOK