This quotation is from Kevin Wheeler, reporter for the Cardinals' weekly radio program on KMOX, as quoted by the MLB Rumors blog:
"He was already voicing concern about his right elbow, which probably needs Tommy John surgery, and if that elbow (or the back or the hammies) give him significant trouble...he might not be able to battle through the pain again."
In years past, this would have been cause for some serious schadenfreude, but with the Cardinals unlikely to challenge for the NL Central title this year (Chris Carpenter isn't due back from his TJ surgery until after the All-Star Break), an extended Pujols absence would help the Cubs just as much as it would help the Brewers.
Seriously, has anyone checked out the Cards' prospective rotation?
1. Adam Wainwright
2. Braden Looper
3. Joel Pineiro
4. Matt Clement
5. Anthony Reyes/Todd Wellemeyer/Brad Thompson
Wow. That looks like a vintage early-2000s Brewers rotation. Mark Mulder is due back in May or June, but I doubt he'll help much.