" QUESTION: How would you describe the Cardinals' offseason moves, which include the re-signing of Jake Westbrook, the acquisitions of Lance Berkman, Ryan Theriot and Gerald Laird and the jettisoning of Brendan Ryan. On paper, do you think this team has improved itself over last season's 86-win club? JOE STRAUSS In my estimation I think the team looks very much like it did when it reported to spring training in February 2010. That team was widely perceived as the best team in th NL Central but lacked the depth to overcome several significant injuries and problems with offensive consistency. It's fair to say that if healthy this team has 90-win capability. It's just as fair to say that the depth issues that accompanied the team into last season still seem to be a factor. JEFF GORDON On paper, David Freese is getting ready for spring training. He offers a massive upgrade over the Felipe Lopez/Pedro Feliz mess of last season. On paper, Kyle Lohse is healthy and coming off an encouraging finish to last season. A full season of Jake Westbrook is also large. Theriot and Berkman add offense and subtract defense. Jon Jay and Allen Craig have developed into useful players - so full seasons of their work will also be a plus. So on paper, sure, the Cardinals are better. But what surprises will real life yield? LARRY BOROWSKY (Founder of Viva El Birdos and editor of "Maple Street Press Cardinals Annual") On paper, no - it's not a better team. The offense will be better than it was at the end of 2010, but the defense will be significantly worse. Berkman and Theriot are better than the hitters they replaced, and it's a good bet that either Skip Schumaker or Yadier Molina (hopefully both) will hit better next year than they did last year. Add in a healthy year from Freese, and the Cards may get improved production from as many as five slots in the order. But the lineup retains some of the same imbalances that have plagued it for the last year or two, including vulnerability against left-handed pitching, lack of extra-base pop from three positions, limited speed, and a so-so leadoff man. Toss in the regression on defense, and this roster doesn't look stronger - and might be slightly weaker - than the one the Cards took into 2010." Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/round-two/article_27306a58-0a13-11e0-8670-0017a4a78c22.html
