2008 Record: 86-76
Key Additions:
Khalil Greene (SS)
Trever Miller (RP)
Key Losses:
Mark Mulder (P)
Adam Kennedy (2B)
Juan Encarnacion (OF)
Braden Looper (RP)
Cesar Izturis (SS)
Projected Lineup:
1 Skip Schumaker
2 Ryan Ludwick
3 Albert Pujols
4 Rick Ankiel
5 Troy Glaus
6 Yadier Molina
7 Khalil Greene
8 Brendan Ryan
Cardinals have a decent lineup. Pujols is coming off an elbow injury, but I think he is going to have an MVP season. Ludwick has been great for them, but the bottom of the lineup really needs Khalil Greene to find himself. Surprisingly I think he will, and this lineup will have a very good year.
Projected rotation:
1 Adam Wainwright
2 Chris Carpenter
3 Kyle Lohse
4 Todd Wellemeyer
5 Joel Pineiro
CL Chris Perez
Their rotation hinges on the comeback of Chris Carpernter. Sorry, Cardinals not a fan. I think he is extremely over the hill and overrated. Adam Wainwright could have a break out year, and he has the stuff to do it. Not to mention he is at the magic age of 27 (usually the year a player "breaks out"). Overall not very impressive, and I have some serious questions if this bullpen is going to be able to hold up, since this rotation is going to be working them a lot.
Minors Watch:
Colby Rasmus - Cool name, but he was terrible last year and looks like he is at least another year away before he can make an impact on this rotation.
Jess Todd - This guy will take over the #5 spot by mid season in the rotation. Doesn't do anything extremely well, but is solid all around. Is a lot better then Joel Pineiro.
Overall:
I think Pujols is going to be awesome, and that alone will make them a dangerous team, but I really don't like their rotation. Plus, I think Tony La Russa is starting to lose it. He cut Adam Kennedy really late and left the team without a proven second baseman, and was playing infielders in the outfield late last year. He is a great coach, but this team is going to take a step back this year.
Record: 80-82
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