Stays in shape
Another thing Pietrangelo does not get enough credit for is the workout regimen he keeps and the shape he stays in. Many fans, including myself, don’t notice this since he does not come off as a workout beast.
By that, I mean he doesn’t have huge, tree trunk legs or shoulders as broad as a house like some guys that stay in the gym all day. Pietrangelo falls more in the Tom Brady workout category.
He won’t wow you with physical gains or muscles for days, but he does exactly what his body needs to perform. Pietrangelo stays in immaculate shape and keeps his body healthy.
That cannot go unnoticed. A player’s health is paramount to their value to a team.
Injuries are often just misfortune and not a sign of a player not taking care of themselves. Nevertheless, a player in good shape that takes care of their joints and tendons is less likely to injure them on a random occurence.
Pietrangelo has proven to be reliable and durable, which is important if you’re going to give a player a long-term extension. The Blues have been able to rely on him to be there the vast majority of the time.
Once Pietrangelo turned full-time pro, he has never failed to play 70 or more games other than a lockout-shortened season. Out of 727 potential games, he has only missed 33 games.
When you can count on a player to be in the lineup, that can be invaluable and make it more likely you’ll get your money’s worth.