Garcia was then removed from the roster after an MRI revealed a strain in his pitching shoulder.
After three visits to different doctors after the season ended, Garcia got the answer he wanted to hear and has foregone surgery in hopes to make a recovery and be ready for the start of spring training.
Now, Garcia is prepared to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic this spring.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said he was encouraged with Garcia's willingness to compete in the exhibition, but no final decision has been made on whether the organization will sign-off on Garcia's decision.
In my opinion, the Cardinals should let Garcia pitch in the World Baseball Classic. Letting Garcia pitch in the event will accomplish a number of things.
First, the Cardinals will be able to quickly see if Garcia is indeed healthy. It will be better for the Cardinals to know Garcia's availability for 2013 as early as possible and by monitoring him in the WBC, they will be able to quickly tell if Garcia is capable of contributing next season.
Secondly, Garcia needs some work in pressure situations. Everyone knows about Garcia's road woes. Pitching in a pressure-filled event like the World Baseball Classic will only make Garcia a more confident pitcher when he wears the Cardinals uniform.
Finally, what do the Cardinals have to lose by letting him pitch in the WBC? Many fans are already preparing for Garcia to not be available in 2013. If Garcia does pitch well for Mexico and proves he is healthy, then his addition will be an added plus if he can be effective.
Garcia is a frustrating player for Cardinals fans to follow. He always seems to be fighting some sort of injury and when healthy, is unbearably inconsistent.
Hearing that Garcia wants to pitch in the World Baseball Classic is good news.
Now the Cardinals should go out there and let him compete and see what they will or will not have in Garcia in 2013.
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