Spring training site
Jupiter, Fla.
2007 record
78-84, third in NL Central, seven games behind Cubs
New faces
RHP Matt Clement (free agent, Red Sox); 3B Troy Glaus (trade, Blue Jays); OF Juan Gonzalez (free agent, didn't play in 2007); SS Cesar Izturis (free agent, Pirates), C Jason LaRue (free agent, Royals); RHP Kyle Lohse (free agent, Phillies); LHP Ron Villone (free agent, Yankees)
Biggest offseason acquisition
Glaus will have to protect Albert Pujols in the lineup better than Scott Rolen could – he was traded straight-up to Toronto for Rolen. Glaus' home run total slipped from 38 to 20 last season (in 115 games because of a foot injury), and Glaus was named in the Mitchell Report in the offseason. So there's some risk there.
Gone but not forgotten
David Eckstein left as a free agent and is also in Toronto. In his place is Cesar Izturis, a decent shortstop with a pathetic career on-base percentage of .295. Eckstein is one of those players who just wins; the Cardinals could miss that.
Spring training battles
The Cardinals' pitching rotation is still very unsettled, to the point that they picked up a starter after spring training started in Kyle Lohse, who went 9-12 last season with St. Louis and Philadelphia (but 3-0 down the stretch for the Phillies). Mark Mulder, Chris Carpenter, Matt Clement and Joel Pineiro are all ailing.
Projected lineup
- RF Skip Schumaker
- CF Rick Ankiel
- 1B Albert Pujols
- 3B Troy Glaus
- LF Chris Duncan
- C Yadier Molina
- 2B Adam Kennedy
- SS Cesar Izturis
- Pitcher
Projected starting rotation
- RHP Adam Wainwright
- RHP Braden Looper
- RHP Kyle Lohse
- RHP Todd Wellemeyer
- RHP Anthony Reyes or RHP Brad Thompson
Projected bullpen
- RHP Jason Isringhausen (closer)
- RHP Ryan Franklin
- RHP Russ Springer
- LHP Randy Flores
- RHP Kelvin Jimenez
- RHP Kyle McClellan
- LHP Ron Villone
Biggest strength
The middle of the order could be special if they stay healthy. Ankiel-Pujols-Glaus-Duncan has a ton of power and promise.
Glaring weakness
Injuries have exposed the Cardinals' once-stellar rotation. When Mulder and Clement return, it could be decent. But they'll be counting down the days until that happens.
