Dave Duncan Granted Extended Leave Of Absence

Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan was granted an
 extended leave of absence in order to tend to his wife. -
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan is regarded as one of the best in all of Major League Baseball.  Duncan is known for his ability to prepare pitchers before starts and has an uncanny ability to pick up on whether a pitcher is tipping his pitches.

Unfortunately for Duncan, little can prepare him for what he and his family are currently facing in their personal lives.

Duncan's wife, Jeannie Duncan, underwent major surgery on Sunday night and the pitching coach will take an extended leave of absence as she recovers.  The team insists and wished that other details remain a private issue.

Manager Tony La Russa addressed the situation with the media, suggesting that everyone with the Cardinals organization supports Duncan and his family during this tough time.

"The time is as required.  It's clearly the priority. The players feel that way, the coaches feel that way, the front office, the organization."

Replacing Duncan will not be easy and the Cardinals will do plenty of shuffling to fill the void while he is out.  La Russa says that while it will be an adjustment, the team will be able to make the temporary transition.

"One of the things is we know his process, so we'll do the process the best we can.  We'll shift guys around a little bit. It's a good challenge but there's no question that's the right way to go about it."

The Cardinals did not communicate a timetable for Duncan's return.

Sources:

• Tony La Russa quotes 

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