Josh Donaldson, the Blue Jays' former MVP and third baseman, remained in Florida this week and did not travel with his teammates for the two-game exhibition series against the Cardinals. Why? Protecting his legs from the turf. Why risk injury? The Cardinals feel the pro turf in Montreal must be better than the sloppy turf they encountered years ago on a minor-league field for an exhibition game, and it was just a matter of choosing the best foot gear.
With two more games on their exhibition schedule, the Cardinals are getting a feel for an infielder as much as some infielders are getting a feel for the infield.