2008

[Pogotheostrich]

OK, I've got some baseball back in my blood and thought I'd look at 2008.

C - Molina
1B - Pujols
2B - Kennedy
SS - Izturis
3B - Rolen
LF - Duncan
CF - Edmonds
RF - Ankiel

SP - Wainwright
SP - Looper
SP - Pinero
?
?
CL - Izzy

So this doesn't look so good. The 4 and 5 spots in the rotation seem to be up for grabs whether it be Reyes, Wellmeyer or Franklin. They seem to be hoping on Mulder and Carp being healthy and effective for a half a season. I have no idea why Eckstein wasn't offered arbitration. I thought the problem was years and not $$$ so why not offer arbiration and if he rejects it make a play for Izturis or better yet let Ryan play. It has also been mentioned around town that the team doesn't appear to have a lead-off hitter. If I had to throw a lineup together right now I might think about batting Ankiel 1st.

[KoopaTroopa211]

Sooooo, everything west of Pujols in the infield is red flags, and we won't even have half a starting rotation to begin the season?

This was the one off-season the Cardinals could not afford to sit still, and yet everyone else in the division is making deals (Gagne, Tejada, Fukudome, etc.) while we keep quiet. I know the market is inflated and everyone's commanding excessive money, but there are too many question marks to simply sit on our hands and do nothing.

Brendan Ryan will win the starting SS job eventually, unless he has to take over 3rd base because of the ongoing LaRussa/Rolen feud. Izturis was probably wasted money.

[StlSluggers]

I'm hoping and praying that the Central is a tougher division this year, because then the Cards will be out of it quickly instead of thinking that they might still have a chance when the trade deadline rolls around. That should finally force them into some sort of rebuilding mode.

Of course, if ownership is hell bent on selling this franchise and nothing more, then who knows how this year plays out.

[KoopaTroopa211]

With Edmonds and Taguchi gone, CF probably belongs to Ankiel now, which opens up RF. Is there anyone besides Ludwick who can compete for the starting job in right?

[Pogotheostrich]

I wouldn't be surprised if Schumaker or Barton get the CF job since they need a leadoff hitter. Ankiel can play CF but I think they prefer to keep him in RF since Rasmus should be at CF soon. I don't think there will be a clear answer until Spring Training.