PHOENIX • As I type this paragraph or three updating the status of Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday and his right leg cramp, he has just finished practicing short hops at first base, his new position.
A coach stood at second base and slapped fungo grounders at Holliday so that he could practice making scoops in the dirt.
Holliday stretched to his left to snag a grounder.
Holliday crossed over and stretched to his right to backhand a grounder.
At no point did he have to stop or wince or wonder about his right leg.