"ST. LOUIS CARDINALS SPRING & SEASON OUTLOOK"

STARTING & RELIEF PITCHERS:

SP-- Matt Clement
SP-- Adam Wainwright
SP-- Mark Mulder
SP-- Braden Looper
SP-- Dewon Brazelton/Ryan Franklin
P-- Josh Kinney
P-- Joel Piniero
P-- Russ Springer
P-- Randy Flores
P-- Anthony Reyes
CL-- Jason Isringhausen

POSITIONS & UTILITY PLAYERS:

C-- Yadier Molina
C-- Jason LaRue
1B-- Albert Pujols
2B-- Aaron Miles/Adam Kennedy
3B-- Troy Glaus
SS-- Ceasar Izturis
OF-- Chris Duncan
OF-- Colby Rasmus (R)
OF-- Juan Encarnacion

RESERVES/ROLES:

Where the Cardinals lack in "solid starting pitching," they do make up for it, with depth in the long relief and overall relief pitchers. Ryan Franklin, Joel Piniero, Dewon Brazelton, and Josh Kinney could all get a shot at the fifth starter role. Plus, they are all pitchers who can fill in for injured (SP's) and also can pitch several innings in relief. In the field, there are decisions to be made at the second base and an outfield slot (more of the positioning, of thier OF). Aaron miles and Adam Kennedy are proven big league second baseman, so Tony LaRussa will probably due what "he does," and will go with whichever player is hot (especially out of spring training). In the outfield, Chris Duncan will have left field to himself. However, they are slim in the other outfield positions, after Encarnacion and Rasmus, who is a rookie). Rick Ankiel, Scott Spiezio, and Ryan Ludwick will fill the void, but are not a huge defensive help, but all can hit. Overall, Jason Larue is a fine backstop, to spell Molina. The real problem the Cardinals may face, is not having enough fielding talent, to spell the everyday players.


ROOKIES:

The Cards' have a stable of solid talent, but the main speak will be on Colby Rasmus, who may be a "Rookie of the Year" candidate. He is the top prospect in the Cardinals Organization, where he tore up the minor leagues last year, at all stops (hitting around: .275, with 29 HR's, 72 RBI's, and slugging .551). He is just 21 years old, has plus speed to play center field, and could be the Cardinals everyday center/right fielder, on opening day. Aside from Rasmus, the Cards have a full farm system. Some that may see some playing time by September are: Pitchers--Mark Worrell, Mike Parisi, Jason Morte, and Kelvin Jeminez (however, the cardinals are deep in pitching, so September may be a more accurate speculation, on thier pitchers). In the position players, they have Joe Mather (who may stay on the roster, out of spring), Cody Haetherton, and infielder Jarrett Hoffmuir.

OVERALL OUTLOOK FOR SPRING:

The Cardinals are in a tough division, have a lot of starting pitching problems, and may have problems protecting Albert Pujols in the middle of the order. However, they do have Albert Pujols, in the middle of the order. Pujols is almost certain to put up huge numbers, like he has every year. Although, the staple third baseman Scott Rolen, who hit and was a gold glove third baseman, is gone. Troy Glaus, a player that has loads of potential, can play shortstop, and if he can cut down on his strikeouts (Walks to K ratio) will be a huge presence in the line-up. However, besides Pujols and Glaus, there is not a ton of big boppers and offensive firepower in the Cardinals line-up. Tony LaRussa is a manager that is not afraid to play "small ball" and he may have to. From top to bottom, Pujols, Glaus, and Chris Duncan will be the guys who will knock the ball out of the park, but Kennedy, Miles, Yadier Molina, Encarnacion, and rookie Colby Rasmus (above), will have to make sparks, when they can.

The pitching staff is going to miss ace Chris Carpenter, who after his first game (last season), tore ligaments in his elbow. After the tear forced him to get "Tommy John Surgery," Carpenter will not be on the mound, anytime before August, most experts say. With Carpenter gone, the Cards' will have to rely on Matt Clement (also coming back from arm injury last year, but is in spring training now), second year starter Adam Wainwright, Mark Mulder (who needs a HUGE comeback season), and Braden Looper to fill the top four pitching spots. Even thought the fifth spot is open for debate, Josh Kinney, Dewon Brazelton, or Ryan Franklin can interchange, and also fill in with bullpen duty. The Cardinals are very deep in pitching, although, the pitching probables are not huge stand outs, except Jason Isringhausen. "Izzy" had a slow start last year, but ended up being the steady, stopper he has been for years.

Ultimately, for the St. Louis Cardinals to top the Cubs, Brewers, and even the Astros they will have to combine a little bit of everything baseball entails. Some smart managing (which LaRussa has), some power (Pujols will put out, but Glaus has to live up to), some small ball with the positional players, the "rookie flash" of Cody Rasmus, and finally they "must" have thier pitching come thru and combine, in thier individual roles, or else they are no better than a .500 team, or possibly less (if health and rookies do not pan out).

Sphere: Related Content