St. Louis Cardinals 2010 preview
Article By smcneal.tsn on 8th March, 2010
The Cardinals weren't projected to be the class of the NL Central last season when they won the division by 7 1/2 games before fizzling in the postseason. But after they spent $120 million on Matt Holliday to keep their lineup virtually intact, it will be a surprise if they finish anywhere but first this season. Even manager Tony La Russa, not one for hype, said, "We will be one of those clubs that has a chance. I like our core."
Chris Carpenter finished second in NL Cy Young voting in 2009. Three questions
1. Where are the problem areas?
You have to look beneath the surface to find any weaknesses. Consider: The Cardinals have the game's best player in Albert Pujols. They have the National League's best catcher in Yadier Molina. They have what is arguably the NL's best 1-2 rotation punch in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. They have a future Hall of Fame manager in La Russa.
If all that isn't enough, they also have a top slugger in Holliday, an All-Star closer in Ryan Franklin and the resources to spend money for improvements during the season.
So what don't they have? They lack experience at third base and depth in the outfield, and their bullpen isn't as formidable as that of the Phillies -- the only NL club that looks to be superior to St. Louis.
2. Who's on third base?
This is the only position where the Cardinals won't return their regular from the end of last season. Rookie David Freese is the front-runner. La Russa, however, doesn't like to hand out jobs, especially to rookies. Freese's main competition will come from a couple of other youngsters, Tyler Greene and Joe Mather, though the Cardinals could give utilityman Felipe Lopez a shot.
Freese was the projected starter at third when spring training ended last year, but he struggled early -- partially because of injuries -- and spent most of his season at Class AAA. He impressed enough in a brief late-s...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
Chris Carpenter finished second in NL Cy Young voting in 2009. Three questions
1. Where are the problem areas?
You have to look beneath the surface to find any weaknesses. Consider: The Cardinals have the game's best player in Albert Pujols. They have the National League's best catcher in Yadier Molina. They have what is arguably the NL's best 1-2 rotation punch in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. They have a future Hall of Fame manager in La Russa.
If all that isn't enough, they also have a top slugger in Holliday, an All-Star closer in Ryan Franklin and the resources to spend money for improvements during the season.
So what don't they have? They lack experience at third base and depth in the outfield, and their bullpen isn't as formidable as that of the Phillies -- the only NL club that looks to be superior to St. Louis.
2. Who's on third base?
This is the only position where the Cardinals won't return their regular from the end of last season. Rookie David Freese is the front-runner. La Russa, however, doesn't like to hand out jobs, especially to rookies. Freese's main competition will come from a couple of other youngsters, Tyler Greene and Joe Mather, though the Cardinals could give utilityman Felipe Lopez a shot.
Freese was the projected starter at third when spring training ended last year, but he struggled early -- partially because of injuries -- and spent most of his season at Class AAA. He impressed enough in a brief late-s...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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