Headed into spring training the Cardinals GM Hall has made a HUGE splash in both off-season free agency and off-season trades. For those of you kinda out in left field on who's going to be a team to beat in the NL central we will recap our off-season. Lets keep in mind last years Cardinals team finished with a horrid 82-80 record.
Defense
C: Russell Martin
The 27yr old backstop signed a 5yr 10M dollar contract this off-season. Martin had the worse season he has ever had last season with a .232avg and 7hrs but he had a .332obp with 50rbi and 7 stolen bases. We feel he's a complete Catcher.
1B: Mark Teixeira
The switch hitting clean up man. In a deal that sent top prospect Shelby Miller and young MLB talent Michael Saunders and Everth Cabrera to NY the Cards solidify there line-up with the 120M dollar man.
2B: Brandon Phillips
The front office is hella stoked about the addition of Phillips. A number 1 or 2 hitter would would be a .280-25hr-25sb at either slot. Consider a modern day Rickey Henderson without blazing speed ofcourse. Plus that glove, the Cards do have the best defensive IF in the NL.
3B: Scott Rolen
The return of Rolen. Brought back again for his glove we felt he was a huge upgrade of David Freeze. The perfect 5th hitter, Rolen should he 80rbi+ is he stays healthy.
SS: Brendon Ryan
One position where the Cards failed to upgrade. Ryan was lost at the plate last season, batting .251. As of right now FA Barney Barwin is in competition with Ryan over the starting job. Time will tell who rides pine.
LF: Albert Pujols
Back to his natural position, or was that 3B? Anyways anyways who better to replace Matt Holliday? Upgrades are the name of the game and Albert upgrades anybody at almost anywhere. Plus it seems El Hombre' will be in St. Louis for a very long time.
CF: Colby Rasmus
Only hit .250 last season but had 22 bombs. Rasmus will be given the chance to open the season in CF but we will have a quick trigger if he dont pan out. Rookie Jon Jay is hot on his track and it could be interesting to see who wins the job. Rumor has it the Cardinals are shopping Rasmus as I type this.
RF: Skip Schumaker/Nick Stavinoha
Stavinoha is listed as the starter but its had to bench a guy like Schumaker. Most likely both will be seeing playing time whether Skip spells at 2B or RF. Stavinoha's contact bat and fielding makes him a hot commodity to the ball club.
Bench:
Jon Jay OF
Ruben Gotay IF
Allen Craig LF/3B
Jesus Flores C
Barney Darwin (pending FA) IF
Our batting order would look something like this:
1. Brandon Phillips
2. Russell Martin
3. Albert Pujols
4. Mark Teixeira
5. Scott Rolen
6. Colby Rasmus
7. Nick Stavinoha
8. Brenden Ryan
9. Starting Pitcher
Part 2 coming soon, pitching.
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