I am still amazed that the Cardinals are World Champions given the ineffectiveness of their starting pitching. Obviously the relief pitchers were great and their effectiveness overshaddowed the ineffectiveness of the starters. In my opinion, Chris Carpenter turned in one of the best Cardinal performances of all time with his terrific game five victory in Philly. He seemed to have to gut it out in the Series and he did just that giving the Cards just enough to put away the Rangers.

I am very hopeful that Wainright and Carpenter will have great years and set the tone for the front of the Cardinal rotation. Maybe Garcia will also show some more maturity and durabilty and be able to get deeper into games. If we are really fortunate maybe Lohose will return to his pre-injury form and be a 15 game winner. Maybe these things will happen, but it seems to me that even the most optimistic fan should be very concerned about the ability of the starters to go deep into games.

If I may play the devil's advocate for a moment and present some what if's from a negative point of view. I certainly think that going deep into the games is going to be the big issue because while it was a great formula for a seven game series, it will be a disaster over a 162 game schedule. So I am going to throw out the negative possibilty of why this is possible and I hope that some of you great Cardinal fans can respond with some positives that will make me feel a lot better. I ,like many Cardinal fans, am very excited about the everyday line-up and I believe that this team is going to be very good if the starting pitching holds up.

Getting Wainright back is very exciting and the fact that many pitchers who have had similar surgeries are stronger than prior to the surgery is also so very encouraging. I hope this is the case with Wainright but I think it would be wise to remember that he is coming back from serious surgery and expecting him to immediately head up the rotation and go deep into games might be stretching it a little bit. Seems to me that it would be better to count on him for a middle of the order performance and if you get more then that would just be great.

Carpenter was simply great in the post season this past year. It seems like it took him forever to win a game in the regular season and then he pitched with some bad luck and should have had more wins than what he actually got. Once they got to the playoffs he really provided the leadership and without his great game five performance against Philly then the season would have ended that night. Carpenter gives me great hope that he can have another solid year and avoid the injury bug that plagued him early in his career. He is getting on up there in age and one has to wonder if he will decline any in the coming season. I hope he is able to give us another good year, but if the decline does happen then I fear that the number of innings that he is able to pitch is where it will rear its ugly head.

Garcia was very good but faded down the stretch and could not get deep in most of the post season games. Maybe he is maturing and just maybe he can get deeper into games and maybe he can now be counted on to be a durable pitcher in the final couple of months. Of course there is also the possibility that he just cannot develop this stamina and that he is that five or six inning pitcher. I certainly hope that his durability and stamina improve but getting deep into the games and having something left in the tank at the end has to be a concern.

The durability and stamina concerns of the top three starters is probably further complicated by the lack of stamina and durability of both Lohose and Westbrook. I know both have been durable pitchers in the past and maybe they will return to form in the coming season, but odds are that they will both be hard pressed to give more than five or six quality innings. I think this puts so much pressure on the front of the pitching staff to go deep into games, and as alluded to previously, that is the one issue that is most concerning.

Edwin Jackson was not very good for the Cards during the post season, but he was really durable and effective after they acquired him in the trade. It is my opinion, that he is absolutely perfect for the Cardinal rotation going forward because he provides that stamina and durability that is such a concern.

I know that the Cards have a lot of money tied up in Lohose and Westbrook and that each have a NTC, and I also know that Lynn and McClellan give us some starting pitching depth, but I really would like this starting staff a lot better if Jackson was a starter and Westbrook was the long man in the pen. Lynn might could be really effective starting but he is also very effective out of the pen and once again how long could he last as a starter?

I am really hoping that the Cards can find a way to shed some salary in some type of trade that would allow them to try to sign Edwin Jackson. Many have advocated Oswalt but once again he is injury prone and might not be able to give you those innings that this staff may really need someone to deliver. Jackson might not get you as many wins as Oswalt but I would bet money that he will get you innings.

Maybe this team is set just the way it is, but just maybe there is another upgrade in mind. I find it hard to believe that the recent memories of the World Series would not inspire the Cardinal brass to try to add some pitching durability and depth either by a free agent signing or via a trade. It seems that everything else is pretty well covered and maybe starting pitching durability will not be a problem, but why take the risk when there are options out there.

It is not my money and it is easy for me to spend someone else's money, but they have about 110 million invested and I believe that it is prudent to protect that investment by strengthing the starting staff.

It does not appear that Edwin Jackson has had a lot of interest so I am hopeful that he could be had for a very reasonable contact. I think he would be a very good insurance policy and well worth the investment.

Couple of reports are indicating that the Cards and the Braves were the teams most interested in acquiring Brandon Inge and that now that the Braves have acquired Lee that they are no longer a suitor. 

Inge seems to be the best fit for what looks to be probably available - very good defensive 3B and has a decent bat.  Hurt this year and having a down year but he hit 27 HR last year so maybe he will get hot down the stretch.  He also has a decent contract that ends this year and that has to be appealing to the Cards.

Couple of questions:  As I understand the waiver process he would have to clear waivers for all American league teams and then have to clear waivers for all national league teams with worse records than the Cards? 

Are there teams in the American league that need a 3B for the stretch drive?  What national league teams with worse records than the Cards might take him?

I would think that the Cards have a couple of things working in their favor:  he is a free agent after the year so a rebuildiing team should not be interested and the Cards recent loosing streak puts them ahead of seveal of the contending National league teams.  On paper it looks like a match but I do not know the needs of the American league contending teams and that may be where the problem lies.

This from MLive.com: 
"Reports are circulating that the Cardinals, in particular, have interest in acquiring Inge. And there have been rumblings that the Tigers intend to put him on waivers to facilitate any possible trade by baseball's Aug. 31 deadline. Putting players on waivers at this time of year is basically standard operating procedure, as teams prepare for any trade possibility. But with several contenders intrigued by Inge, and the Tigers' need to determine if players such as Jhonny Peralta and Danny Worth should be a part of next year's team, this probably isn't just a formality".

From The Detroit News After the Lee Trade: http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/tonypaulblog/index.php?blogid=553#ixzz0x13MaQWi

"The trade means the Braves probably no longer have any interest in Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge, another free agent-to-be who, reportedly, is about to hit waivers this week (if he hasn't already). Now the Cardinals seem like the best and potentially only customer for Inge. Their current third baseman is Felipe Lopez, who plays great defense except for the throwing and catching part". I do not know how everyone else feels about Inge, but at this point he would seem like the best possible acquisition.  The other question is what would you be willing to give up.  The entire world knows how much the cards need a 3B so I would imagine that they are going to ask for a lot.  My guess is that it might be Alan Craig but I have no idea what the Tigers might be needing?  Anyone got an idea on what the Tigers might want?

In case no one has noticed, Lopez is not hitting a lick and Craig has a pretty big bat.  I have always heard that if you can hit that they will find a place for you.  Well Craig can hit and it is time to find a place for him.  Craig was quoted as saying that he feels comfortable at 3B and while that is exactly what you would expect him to say it does demonstrate that he has some confidence.  I confess that I have not seen him play 3B but he fielded very well at 1B subing for Pujols and he has played there in AA.  My guess is that he would not be afraid to get in front of the baseball and if you have watched closely you surely have noticed that Lopez acts as if he is afraid of the ball.  He may be a total disaster there and one game might be enough to clearly illustrate that he cannot play there.  I figure that it cannot be more of a risk than Schumaker playing 2B.  The Schumaker experiment has continued to go on for two years and he continues to fail to make the basic plays.  How can Allen Craig possibly be more of a gamble than Schumaker?  Just give him a chance and see how he responds and if he can not handle it like Schumaker then quickly end the experiment.  Unlike Schumaker, Craig at least offers a potent bat and with Rasmus continuing to struggle Craig would look real nice hitting fifth or sixth.

It is time for the manager who has a reputation for being a risk taker to gamble on Craig.  He may not have all the tools but he appears to have a lot of heart and a proven  bat.  Jay in RF and Craig at 3B just for one game Mr. Risk Taker! 

I read this morning that the Cubs and DB's are in discussions about a trade of Ryan Theriot and Kelly Johnson.  I don't understand the logic here for the Cubs, but it appears that the DB's are looking to get a long term solution at 2B.  Surely the Cards could come up with something more valuable to get Kelly Johnson.

Johnson hit is 17th homerun last night against the Mets and now has more than 50 RBI's.  He looks to be a poor man's version of Dan Uggla except that his defense may be better than Uggla.  Uggla has 22 dingers so far after a hot streak where he hit 6 in 6 games.  Kelly Johnson has not produced consistently at 2B year after year like Uggla, but he is putting up those numbers right now.

Johnson offers another powerful bat like many have been suggesting, and he is not a lateral move.  The Cards have been absolutely horrible at 2B, defensively and offensively, and even though Lopez offers some improvement when he most surely will slide over from 3B, he does not provide the improvement that Kelly Johnson would provide.  Lopez has some power and he and Johnson will probably hit for a similar average, but 17 dingers from a 2B is HUGE, particularily for the Cards who get nothing from the SS, 2B and C positions.

A SS upgrade would also be nice, but there is no one out there who upgrades significantly over Ryan or Greene.  Drew is a better player offensively, but he is not better defensively and there is minimum upgrade offensively.  On the other hand Kelly Johnson is like adding a legit number 5 or 6 hitter at the bottom of the line-up where power is non-existent.

What would it take to get Johnson?  There has been proposals of Rasmus going to the DB's for Drew and there was a suggestion yesterday of Drew for Jon Jay and AAA pitcher.  As good as Jon Jay looks right now a Jay for Drew, or a Jay for Kelly Johnson straight up might work, but is Jay really the guy that the Cards need to move.

Jay has been starting practically every game and after going 3 for 4 Friday night he will most certainly be in the line-up for Rasmus today.  Ludwick and Rasmus sitting may not be ideal, but right now Jay has forced his way into the lineup and he seems to want to stay there.  Competition is a good thing, but can you really afford to have Jay, Rasmus, or Ludwick sitting on the bench when either of the three could probably be traded for a Kelly Johnson.  Rasmus and some combination of Ryan/Greene and prospects might even net you Drew and Johnson.  If you don't want to trade Rasmus then move Ludwick for pitching or a middle infield bat to a team in contention needing an outfield bat .  Don't want to trade Ludwick or Rasmus then move Jon Jay while he is playing lights out.  My point is that one of them needs to be moved because of what they can bring in return - starting pitching or a middle infield bat.

I like Rasmus, Ludwick, and Jay and do not want to see any of them go - but my dislike for what is going on at 2B / SS far outweights everything else.  If we were to take a poll I would guess that most fans would be evenly split between four categories:  Keep all four and play the hot hand, move Jay while he is hot, move Ludwick because his contract will eventually force him out, or move Rasmus because he has the most value and can net the most in return.

Cards seem to have a decision to make and even choosing to not move any of the three may be the most important decision of all.

 

Post subject: Who St. Louis Will and Won't Move For Roy Oswalt Posted: 24 Jul 2010 19:26 pm from bleacher report



The Astros' ace has stated on numerous occasions that he'd favor a trade to the St. Louis Cardinals, and because Oswalt has a full no-trade clause, he holds all the cards.

So now it's up to St. Louis to make a move. With a farm system that has been depleted by several trades over the past few years, the Cardinals cannot afford to make a mistake here.

Cardinals fans won't soon forget how Oswalt dominated them in Game Six of the 2005 NLCS, eliminating St. Louis from the playoffs. Come October, no team would want to face a Cardinals rotation anchored by three aces in Oswalt, Chris Carpenter, and Adam Wainwright, all perennial Cy Young candidates. The road the the National League pennant would run through St. Louis. So who should and shouldn't the Cardinals move to get the Astros' ace?

On Their Way Out: Players the Cardinals Shouldn't Hesitate To Offer

Brendan Ryan: It's no secret that Brendan Ryan has struggled. Trading him could be a great move for the Cardinals. He's been batting below the Mendoza line for most of the season, and his usually stellar defense has been less than great. So, if the Astros see potential in him, let them figure it out. Ryan is already 28, so moving him would be an added bonus to acquiring Oswalt.

Fernando Salas: In the first few assignments of his career, Salas has been very good. The Cardinals could relay this into a possible trade, although he wouldn't be the centerpiece of a trade. Tony LaRussa has brought slowly worked him into higher and higher pressure, but he has continued to be effective, giving up just one earned run on a home run over 8.2 innings pitched. The Cardinals already have two young fireballers in their bullpen, so Salas is expandable.

Robert Stock, Brian Anderson, or Matt Pagnozzi: I list these three here together because they all fall into basically the same category. Three catchers, who find their path to the majors blocked by Cardinals mainstay Yadier Molina. They're all considered top prospects in the Cardinals organization, but there's not spot for them now, so they're better used as trade chips.

Daryl Jones: A year ago, I didn't want to see Daryl Jones included in a trade for a big name player. This year, things have changed. In 2008, when Jones batted .316, stole 24 bases, and hit 13 home runs, he looked like a five-tool player who could see starting time in the Cardinals outfield in the coming years. Since then, he has struggled against AAA pitching, and his batting average has dropped the past two seasons. He did bat .209 at Rookie ball in 2005, so he could just be adjusting. The Astros would jump at the chance to get him, and he wouldn't be to big of a piece for the Cardinals to give up.

Blake Hawksworth: Hawksworth has progressed well this season, and no longer has prospect status. He's filled in well for the Cardinals as a fifth starter this year, but has an ERA of nearly 5.00. If Oswalt joins the fold, Hawksworth would have to be moved to an already crowded bullpen. It would be better for the Cardinals to simply include him in a trade. He was the Cardinals top prospect in 2004, so the Astros may still see improvement left in him.

Adron Chambers: Adron Chambers is not the future of Cardinals Nation. However, he could be another team's future. His speed makes him valuable, although his defense is suspect. He's played most of his games in center field, where he has a .964 fielding percentage. He's only 23, so he has time to improve, but would likely be the third player in a three-player deal.

Deryk Hooker: If the Astros are looking for pitching help, as rumored, Hooker could be included in a deal. He currently leads all Cardinals prospects with 94 strikeouts, and put up a 2.83 ERA with a .220 average against for Quad Cities. This has been a breakout year for Hooker, who just turned 21 this June.

Daniel Descalso: Descalso is an interesting case. He appears to be a slightly better hitting Brendan Ryan, expect that Descalso plays second base. His numbers in the minors have been good. With Triple-A Memphis, he's posted a solid .357 on-base percentage, and has driven in 52 runs, putting him on pace for a career high. If the Cardinals don't move him, the 23-year old is their future at second base.

Packing Their Bags: One of These Players Could Be Moved, But Not More


Allen Craig: As the best hitting prospect the Cardinals have, Craig is a prime candidate to be moved in a deal for Oswalt.

Lance Lynn: He could be the centerpiece in a move for Oswalt. The Astros are said to be looking for pitching, and there may be no better option than Lynn, who was named St. Louis's Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2009. He currently has 90 strikeouts for Triple-A Memphis to lead the team.

Jon Jay: In two stints with the Cardinals, Jay has exceeded all expectations, with a slash line of .378/.441/.607, and he has gained more and more playing time as the season progressed. However, he'll have to come back to earth eventually, and the Cardinals could be wise to sell high here. I would miss the enthusiasm Jay brings to the team, and would hate to see him come up big for the Astros against St. Louis, but I think the Cardinals would be willing to move him, if it means the pennant. If the Cardinals manage to surprise everyone by signing twelfth-round pick Austin Wilson, trading Jay would become a no-brainer.

Eduardo Sanchez: Eduardo Sanchez is listed as the Cardinals sixth best prospect by Baseball America, and for good reason. Out of the minor league bullpen, Sanchez posted a .920 WHIP in 2009, among the best in the organization. He has faltered this year in split time between Springfield and Memphis, but if the Astros want him, the Cardinals could move him with little thought.

Mitchell Boggs: As a major league ready arm, Boggs may fit the bill for Houston. He can develop into either a fourth or fifth starter, or even a closer. With a fastball in the high-90's, and a devastating slider, Boggs has put hitters away out of the St. Louis pen, posting a 1.168 WHIP while striking out 6.6 batters per nine innings. At the age of 26, he could develop into a strong closer in the Houston bullpen.

Deal Breakers: Players Who Aren't Going Anywhere

David Freese, Colby Rasmus, and Jaime Garcia: These three are the future of Cardinals Nation. Rasmus has been called, along with Andrew McCutchen, the future of center field in the National League. Garcia, who made the club out of spring training, has looked like a Rookie of the Year favorite, posting a 9-4 record with a 2.21 ERA. He looks like a future front of the line starter for St. Louis. Freese was of to a hot start before injury derailed him. It's very likely that he'll be moved in the foreseeable future, because the Cardinals don't have a suitable replacement for him at third.

Shelby Miller: He's the reason a trade hasn't gotten done yet. It appears the Astros want Miller, last year's first round draft pick, but the Cardinals are unwilling to part with him, and for good reason. Miller is only 19, but has the top rated fastball in the organization. Baseball America lists him as the Cardinals' top prospect, and he looks like he will replace Chris Carpenter within the next four years. Even if it prevent the deal from getting done, you do not trade Miller.

So can the Cardinals get Oswalt? If the Astros are willing to look past Shelby Miller, I think a deal can get done by the July 31 deadline. There may yet be another wrench thrown into the equation. If the Cardinals manage to surprise everyone by signing twelfth-round pick Austin Wilson, a top 15-pick talent that the Cardinals have been recruiting vigorously, trading Jay, Craig, or Jones would become a no-brainer.

The Cards seem to be a team in transition and things just seem to keep changing.  Tony has announced that Ankiel will play RF when he comes back and Tyler Greene and Ryan seem to be battling for the everyday SS position.  Evidently there is a need for a 3B although Barden is hitting again after getting some consistent playing time, and Wallace is tearing it up in Memphis.

I think Ankiel moving to RF is intriguing because Rasmus is clearly your better defensive CF'der and the future in that position, and by moving Ankiel to right seems to indicate a shift in philosophy.  Ludwick would seem to be the guy to alternate between LF and RF because Duncan is a LF only ? If someone gets moved I still believe that Duncan is the guy they should move unless they put him at 1B and move Pujols to 3B and we all know that is not going to happen. 

The Cards also have a lot of decisions to make at the end of the year with pending free agency.  I for one beleive that they need to sign a frontline starting pitcher and invest in Pujols' new contract.  Frontline starting pitching and Pujols' new contract will be very expensive but that would be an excellent way to spend the money that they will have coming off the books by not resigning Ankiel, Glaus, K.Greene, Wellemeyer, and Pinero.  They will also have Adam Kennedy money off the books as well.

In my opinion, the Cards are in a great position for the future because they have talented young players developing for key spots and money coming off the books.  There is also the intrigue of doing something to improve the team now and I believe that immediate improvement and future improvement could go hand-in-hand.

Their current needs are pretty evident - they need a 3B and they need starting pitching depth - DeRosa and Peavy anyone?  DeRosa is a really good fit to bridge the gap to Wallace or Freeze and Peavy gives you a frontline staring pitcher for the current year and for the future.  DeRosa seems like a no-brainer and if you really look at the situation with starting pitching I think Peavy makes sense as well.  They have money coming off the books and many believe that frontline starting pitching is their greatest need.  With Peavy you basically would be trading for a rental pitcher for this year and signing a long-term FA for future years.  Peavy is not cheap but I believe that he is as good as anyone on the upcoming FA market and as many have advocated the Cards greatest need is to sign a FA top flight starting pitcher.

DeRosa and Peavy are just what the Cards need and it is possible because they have the depth to trade from and they have money coming available.   

is constantly talked about as being the best spot in baseball and I would like to throw out a different line of thinking on such perspective.  There is no doubt that the guy hitting in this spot may get better pitches from a pitcher because they do not want to face Pujols with runner(s) on base, etc.  While this is a distinct advantage I think there is also some negative to this spot as well. 

I think the #2 spot in the Cards order brings with it more pressure than any other spot, even more pressure than hitting behind Pujols in the clean-up spot because there is so much emphasis to just get on base so Pujols will get a chance to hit.  I think this "just get on base mentality can make he hitter more passive and alter the approach.  I don't think that is a bad thing for a guy like Robinson, but I believe it may take away to much aggressiveness from a guy like Rasmus.

It may just be coincidental but I just had a feeling that we would see a different Rasmus hitting down in the order, and so far so good.  Not that he did not do a good job hitting in front of Pujols, but he seems much more relaxed and aggressive hitting in the #6 spot.  Of course his success may be from just getting to play on an everyday basis, etc. but it makes me wonder.  Remember the discussion about how they wanted him to hit down on the ball, and how he was encouraged to bunt.  Nothing wrong with that strategy, but they may have under-estimated his power and value at driving in runs.

What happened to the warning track power thoughts, and the discussion of how he will eventually become a power hitter as he matures?  Now I fully understand that a couple of home runs does not make him a power hitter, but that 452 foot bomb was pretty impressive - it makes me wonder if he does not have more power than what most were predicting.

So maybe Rasmus will thrive down in the order and maybe Tony needs to re-think what type of hitter should be in front of Pujols.  I know Tony has said that he likes someone who can provide power in that spot, but maybe just someone to get on in front of Pujols should be the goal, and a pesky hitter like Robinson might just be the right fit. 

The Cardinals have 5 key players that will be eligible for free agency in 2010 and those players currently command a combined salary of approximately 31.5 million.  Three of those players are position players (K. Greene, Ankiel, Glaus) and two players are pitchers (Wellemeyer & Pinero).  That 31.5 million is a huge chunk of the total payroll and another 4 million comes off the books from Adam Kennedy's contract.  Additionally, the Cards are currently approximately 10 million under the overall salary high water mark.  To make a long story short, the upcoming free agency will provide the Cards a great oppportunity to re-shape the roster.  That re-shaping might simply be resigning some or all of the Cardinal free agents or that re-shaping could mean that the current free agents are allowed to walk allowing them to spend the money in a different manner.  Thirty five million is a lot of money and the decisions about how to move forward will no doubt have a huge bearing on the future of the Cards.  Ideas on how they should utilize these resources is the parameter for discussion in this thread.

I believe that the Cards are in a position where they might should let all five of the pending free agents walk or if possible move them in a trade this summer.  I like Ankiel but Duncan is here to stay, Rasmus is your CF'der of the future and you need Ludwick's RH bat in the line-up.  Glaus is a good player but I am not sure if Glaus gives you more production than Barden and Thurston plus Glaus commands a huge salary.  K.Greene has potential but he is not hitting and he is not as good defensively as T. Greene or Ryan.  Bottom line is that I think you see all three of those guys being traded or allowed to walk.

In my mind pitching is the weak link.  Wainright and Lohose are good enough at the top of the rotation but Wellemeyer or Pinero can probably be replaced with a young pitcher from within the organization, and I just don't think that either is good enough for what the Cards need - a frontline starter.  I think you count on Carpenter as your #5 and hope for better, but you find a cheap young #4 to go along with Wainright and Lohose and you sign the very best free agent starting pitcher possible to strengthen this staff.  In my mind, this improves the team more than signing any of the Cards current free agents. 

Signing a frontline starting pitcher should be a high priority, but. priority #1 should be to re-structure Pujols' contract and make him a lifetime Cardinal.  Ankiel, Glaus and K. Greene are good players, but they can be replaced - there is no replacement for Albert!

 

 

 

 

 

I went and watched Springfield play against Frisco last week and was surprised by a couple of things and thought I might get some feedback. 

#1.  Jones hit way down in the order and I had heard so much about him that I figured he woIuld be in the top of the order.  Does anyone have any insight as to why he might be hitting 7th?

#2.  I have not heard anything about their catcher (Hill) - he is hitting about .400 and I am wondering what the book is on him.

#3.  Springfield has a some guys hitting in the top of the order that I have not heard anything about.  I am wondering if they are good prospects, etc.

#4.  Wallace did not get any hits but hit a ball against the CF wall in his first at bat.  He made all the plays at 3B but did not have any tough chances. 

Memphis:

#1.  Noticed that Craig is now playing LF since Freese was sent back down.  Has he played there before, etc.

#2.  Jay has cooled off and Mather finally got a couple of hits going 2-4 on Thursday night - maybe that will get him going.

Overall - I don't see anyone knocking the door down to get promoted - I know it is early.

getting the start at 3B today is interesting.  I always wondered if Mather and Freese were being given a shot and if they did not prove out that Tony could always go back to Barden.  Barden has enough experience that they know what they are going to get from him and he is hitting better than any of 3B candidates or the other utility players.  I know it is only spring but his .400 avg. is hard to ignore.

He also flips with Schumaker in the leadoff and second leadoff spot and that might be an advantage for him.  Of course this may mean absolutely nothing and he may be the guy that gets cut when it is all said and done as most are speculating.  However, I think the case can certainly be made for Barden to make this team and even start at 3B.  He does not have the power that Mather or Freese has, but that is really not what the Cards need.  They need people who can get on in the leadoff and second leadoff spots and I think a case can be made for Barden being the best at that particular need.

There has been much discussion about the #2 spot in the batting order and I like many others have advocated for Ankiel in that spot.  I still think that Ankiel is a good option but I am now wondering if Greene would not be a better option.  Greene at the top of the order was originally discussed right after the Cards picked him up and the concensus seemed to be that he was to prone to strikeouts and had a low on base percentage.  He may still have the same problems once the season starts, but he sure has not shown any signs of such so far.  He is hitting for a very high average, has not had a problem with strikeouts, has speed and hits for power.  He would also keep the Cards from having two lefties hitting back to back and provide better L/R balance throughout the line-up.

I'm sure that there is a great reason why this is not a feasible option, but I need some help - what is it?

 

Things are getting interesting as the final roster appears to be taking shape but there are a few decisions that remain to be settled and are worthy of a good discussion / debate, etc.  For the purpose of this discussion please predict what you think will happen - NOT WHAT YOU THINK SHOULD HAPPEN.

Rasmus / Duncan - It appears to me that Rasmus is going to make the team although I understand that many think he will end up in Memphis.  I think Memphis is a good argument, but I believe that he will either start in a 4-man rotation or he will get plenty of PT as the defensive replacement.  Watching Adam Dunn last night in the WBC should remind everyone the importance of defense and Colby clearly is the best option from a defensive prospective.  Duncan is head-and-shoulders above Dunn and one should not even compare Duncan and Dunn, but Rasmus in that outfield really makes it a better defensive outfield.  I think the book is out on which one makes the Cards better offensively.  I don't think that Rasmus will get the opening day nod, but I think he makes the team and will end up playing a lot.

Schumaker @ Second Base - It appears that Schumaker continues to progress and that he is going to be the opening day 2B.  I am pulling for him to be successful, but I also realize that there is going to be tremendous pressure when the real games start.  His status at 2B puts a premium on a defensive back-up and probably a RH player to play against lefties and to sub in for late inning defense.  Looks like two of the three, (Ryan, Barden, Thurston) make the team and provide 2B defensive help.  Ryan gets the first spot because of his SS ability and his speed.  He will probably leadoff and play 2B against lefties and in my opinion this solidifies his spot on the roster.  I really like Thurston, but his lack of hitting probably gives the job to Barden.  Therefore, I think Barden and Ryan make the team.

Mather / Freese - Most think that Freese is going to get the nod but I have to disagree.  The job is only open for a short period of time and I don't think it makes sense to have Freese play for a few days and then be sent back to Memphis.  He is also to good to serve as a bench player and he either starts for the Cards or for Memphis.   I think this is why Mather was handed the job originally, and why he will be given the job opening day.  Freese being sent back to Memphis also allows Thurston to make the team and provides defensive depth at 3B and 2B.   Mather gets the nod at 3B and Thurston makes the team.   

Relief Pitching - Probably the most uncertainty as to who makes the roster lies within the RH relief pitching.  Considered to be one of the strengths of the team, the RH relief pitching offers some interesting final competition.  Make no mistake - Motte is the best option for closer, and McKinney and Franklin have been impressive.  No competition there, but McClellan, and Thompson have struggled and Perez has shoulder issues.  It makes no sense to rush Perez if he is not healthy, and he may very well start the season on the DL, but what happens if he is healthy and ready to go.  In my opinion, he pushes Thompson or McClellan aside and I think that it is Thompson who is in trouble. 

As everyone knows the #2 spot is very important in the Cards line-up because of Albert hitting in the all important #3 position.  I found it interesting today that Ankiel hit #2 with Duncan hitting clean-up.  Schumaker continues to do a good job leading off but the #2 spot seems to be an audition.  I know that Ankiel is not ideal because of the strikeouts but he did take a walk today and just maybe hitting in front of Albert would make him more patient.  Many have said that the #2 spot in the Cardinal order is really like the #3 spot in the traditional order and that description just seems to fit Ankiel.  He clearly has more speed than Duncan and probably has a better chance of scoring from 1B on the balls that Pujols is certain to hit in gaps.   I'm sure the auditioning will continue and it will be interesting to see who ends up in this spot.  Opinions!

Additionally, if Duncan does end up in LF flanked by Ankiel and Ludwick, then who hits in the second leadoff 9th position.  Rasmus seems to fit that spot really well but with Duncan in the line-up who hits #9?  Seems to me that the only logical option miight be K. Greene.  Opinions!