With spring training starting in 16 days (yes, Cale, I looked it up), I decided to evaluate the current situation with my Cardinals. After losing half the roster and a significant hit to the bullpen we aren't looking as strong, but with the same powerful core as the past two years, never count out the redbirds. I'll leave the analysis of the defending world champs up to my expert counterparts.
*New To Team (Replaced)
Starting Lineup
1B Albert Pujols
2B Junior Spivey/Aaron Miles (Mark Grudzielanek, signed with KC)
3B Scott Rolen
SS David Eckstein
LF Larry Bigbie (Reggie Sanders, signed with KC)
CF Jim Edmonds
RF Juan Encarnacion (Larry Walker, retired)
C Yadier Molina
Reserves
Gained: Deivi Cruz, Gary Bennett
Lost: Abraham Nunez, John Mabry, Einar Diaz, Roger Cedeno, Mike Mahony
Pitchers
Gained: Sidney Ponson, Braden Looper, Ricardo Rincon, and a bunch of young guys
Lost: Matt Morris, Ray King, Cal Eldred, Julian Taveras
After breaking it down, things really don't look that bad. The gaps that stick out are the losses of two seasoned veterans (but also oldest players in Reggie and Larry), no solid defensive second baseman without Grudzie, and a depleated middle bullpen. Although Mabry and Morris have been the heart of this team for so long, I'm glad Walt let them walk. With an older starting lineup the past couple seasons, it might actually payoff to inject some youth into the program. I hope Encarnacion and Spivey can flourish while sitting between juggernauts in the lineup because with the Big Three we're still contenders. Oh, and we still have Eckstein. Gotta love little Davy Eckstein.
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