Rafael Furcal struggled throughout spring training, hitting just .192 in 52 spring at bats. Many began to wonder the 34 year old shortstop had lost a step and if the two year, $14 million contract the Cardinals gave him this off season would be a waste.
After the Cardinals impressive season opening 4-1 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, Furcal looks to have answered some of the questions regarding his status as the team's shortstop and leadoff hitter.
Furcal was three for five on the night with a double, an RBI, and a stolen base while playing solid defense behind Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse, who threw an absolute gem to stymie the Marlins.
Furcal was acquired last season from the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trading deadline and immediately made an impact. Furcal solidified a shaky defense while giving the Cardinals a lift with his bat in early September and was rewarded with the two year contract for his role in helping the Cardinals win their eleventh World Series Championship.
While one game is a small sample size and it is unclear if Furcal is truly out of the funk he was in during spring training, it sure feels as though the veteran was just coasting during the games that did not count and is ready to go now that the season has started.
The Cardinals will need Furcal to be stellar with the glove and to get on base in front of the middle of the lineup. If Furcal plays like he did throughout the spring, the Cardinals could be in trouble. If Furcal plays like he did Wednesday night, the ceiling could be unlimited for this team once again.
Furcal's slow spring should still be a concern, as well as his health as the shortstop has been known to land on the disabled list.
But Furcal showed on Wednesday night, that once the games matter, that he is the quality shortstop the Cardinals need if they hope to repeat as World Series Champions.
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