Possibility of Craig Counsell playing for the Cards

As you can see pretty horrible especially for a lead off guy.

Hey, wasn't Counsell the guy who hit the HR against the Cards in the 2001 playoffs?

Head trainer Barry Weinberg said Sunday morning that even the most optimistic scenario projects Eckstein will miss at least the next seven to 10 days with a strained left oblique muscle suffered in Friday's 11-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. Eckstein returned to St. Louis after Sunday's 5-3 win and will be examined today by team medical supervisor Dr. George Paletta.

Weinberg said he would be "thrilled" if Eckstein returned within a week, characterizing an absence of seven to days as a "best-case scenario."

Eckstein was injured while scoring from second base on Albert Pujols' third-inning single. Cubs catcher Michael Barrett pinned Eckstein's leg, then rolled into the shortstop's side while scrambling for a loose ball. Eckstein at first worried that he had suffered a broken leg. It wasn't until he made a warmup throw that he discovered the oblique strain.

The Cardinals plan to be especially cautious with the last position player to miss a start this season. Barring an unexpectedly optimistic prognosis from Paletta, the club is believed to be leaning toward putting Eckstein on the disabled list retroactive to Aug. 17.

"I worry about David rushing back, just because of the type of player and personality more than anything," Weinberg said. "You have to factor that in your decision. He's so anxious to play."

The projection means Eckstein may be out until rosters can expand Sept. 1. The Cardinals have discussed pursuing infielder Jose Vizcaino, whom the San Francisco Giants recently designated for assignment, or promoting shortstop John Nelson from Triple-A Memphis. Nelson is not on the 40-man roster but is considered by some a capable short-term answer.

It is more likely, however, that the club will promote outfielder John Rodriguez from Triple-A Memphis and try to get by with the infielders on hand.

Aaron Miles made his second consecutive start at shortstop Sunday. Before Sunday's game, Scott Spiezio took ground balls at the position, and manager Tony La Russa mentioned second baseman Ronnie Belliard as another option there.

Without Eckstein, the infield situation is acute enough for La Russa to say he could use outfielder So Taguchi at second base in a pinch. Taguchi played second in college before moving to center field as a professional.

Eckstein rode a stationary bike in the visitors' clubhouse Sunday and reported slightly less discomfort. After finding it difficult to sleep Friday night, Eckstein said he had fewer problems Saturday.

"I've talked to some guys who've had it, and I know it's something I have to be careful with," Eckstein said. "If I come back too soon and it comes back, we're talking three to six weeks. Then you're into late September or into October."

A similar injury to the right side sent first baseman Albert Pujols to the disabled list earlier this season. Catcher Gary Bennett avoided the DL but was severely limited for almost three weeks.