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08:10 AM ET 07.26 | Lance Berkman, who may no longer be an everyday player, certainly isn't likely to return to his MVP-type production of the 2011 season. Ever the realist, Berkman doesn't even expect that. ... [Recently,] he talked about having a reduced role, about yielding playing time to Allen Craig, about being the fourth bat in a four-man rotation for playing time. He reiterated that [Tuesday] to reporters when they asked about him batting seventh in the lineup. He suggested that from the right side the team should hope to have six batters better than him. So, Berkman emerges from knee surgery as a part-time or complementary player. That keeps him stronger later into the season.

Lance Berkman, Icon Sports

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July 26, 2012 08:42 AM ET

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Is this a story? At least the guy is a realist. Seems to me this is the sort of attitude you want and need to build a strong roster.

MagicSpecs

England, UK

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July 26, 2012 08:49 AM ET

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and getting beaned on his surgically repaired knee certainly didn't help...ouch!

ATLfan7

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July 26, 2012 10:04 AM ET

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Berkman is fairly old for a baseball player, and he has been injured a lot. Maybe he came back a little too early this year, too.

...the best policy

Harrodsburg, KY

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July 26, 2012 10:14 AM ET

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Rest Up for the Playoffs Lance!!!

Not4Nutten

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July 26, 2012 10:25 AM ET

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Blame it on gravity....NEXT!

Wisconsin Death Trip

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July 26, 2012 11:20 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 10:14 AM ET 07.26 by Not4Nutten

Rest Up for the Playoffs Lance!!!

He will get plenty of rest WATCHING the playoffs from his recliner.

HILLBILLY

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July 26, 2012 11:29 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:42 AM ET 07.26 by MagicSpecs

Is this a story? At least the guy is a realist. Seems to me this is the sort of attitude you want and need to build a strong roster.

Traded to Seattle

Salem , OR

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July 26, 2012 09:31 PM ET

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I hate to see him fade. I really like Berkman. The Cardinals got much more than they paid for last year. This guy played a major role in the championship and still takes the demotion with grace.

CardsFan2

Saint Louis , MO

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July 27, 2012 12:02 AM ET

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He has had just 64 at bats this year due to injury. Yes, between Allen Craig's emergence and Berkman's age/injury history he will not be playing everyday......but I think he will establish much more than a "bit role" in the next couple of weeks.

olimax

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July 27, 2012 11:00 AM ET

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Yes it is a story - The majority of players don't have the team first attitude he is showing - classic Cardinals. As a big baseball fan (Phillies) I have to respect the Cards organization