The Cardinals had a winning record in 2008, drew over 3.4 million fans and had the National League MVP — but they missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. And it seems possible all of those factoids will apply in 2009. Injuries played a part, but a team that finished 11.5 paces behind the National League Central-winning Chicago Cubs has some obvious inadequacies to address.
The Cardinals are strong at the corners, talented in the outfield and dependable behind home plate. But for 2009, they must fix a bullpen that was among the worst in baseball. They have to rebuild the middle infield and reinforce the starting rotation. Manager Tony La Russa also is hoping for another impact bat to protect Albert Pujols in the middle of the order. Health and player development might fill some of those cracks. General manager John Mozeliak's work over the winter may have caulked others. But will it be enough? With baseball's wild card berth, anything seems possible. But the Cardinals will be hard-pressed to challenge for a division title and will need some breaks to crash the 2009 postseason party through the back door.
The depth of the outfield means a platoon that will always leave a solid bat on the pine, whether it be Duncan, Schumaker or Mather. Both Mather and Duncan have home run power and have been effective pinch hitters. LaRue is a dependable backup behind the plate.
Management
La Russa is a future Hall of Famer and well respected as one of the best in the game. His intensity rubs some — including opposing clubs — the wrong way, but no one has his team better prepared and focused. Pitching coach Dave Duncan, who added Lohse to a long list of successful reclamation projects, has the same type of credibility. After years as Walt Jocketty's assistant, Mozeliak is still showing his hand. With a payroll hovering around $100 million the past few seasons, upper management has frustrated some of the fan base with a lack of big expenditures or name-brand trades. Rather, the club has professed a commitment to player development head Jeff Luhnow and a desire to promote from within.
Difference maker
When he was relatively healthy for three seasons — from 2004-06 — Chris Carpenter was 51-18 for the Cardinals, a Cy Young winner and one of the best pitchers in baseball. Since, he has had as many surgeries as he has starts (four). But in a winter workout, it was determined that the complicated nerve issues in Carpenter's pitching arm were healing, and there was promise he would be ready for spring training and be able to pitch this season. If that promise comes to fruition, Carpenter's presence dramatically changes the landscape for the Cardinals' pitching rotation, giving them a formidable "Big Three" of Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Kyle Lohse.
Final analysis
The Cardinals have some lineup issues, to be sure. But a team with Pujols, Ludwick and Glaus in the middle is not without hope. The critical factors will surround pitching. The club has to have its top starters — like Wainwright and Lohse (and possibly Carpenter) — remain healthy. At the same time, and equally important, it has to re-establish a closer so the rest of the bullpen pieces can fall into place. That last part may be a tall order, unless youngsters Perez and Motte can assert themselves. The Cardinals don't have the look of a division winner, but this team is good enough to remain relevant well into September.
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