<span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:100%">The Cardinals and manager Tony LaRussa start the 2008 season at a bit of a crossroad. Less than two years after winning the world series, the team will now spend the year trying to stay out of last place. Unquestioned team leader and first baseman Albert Pujols will join with newest addition Troy Glaus (obtained in a third base swap with Scott Rolen headed to Toronto) to be the main cogs of the lineup. However, if the Cardinals fall back far enough in the NL Central (as most expect them too) Pujols could opt to have surgery on his elbow, which has been giving him trouble for some time now. Glaus will also try to stay healthy, and hopes the natural grass at Busch Stadium will treat his injured left foot better than the artificial turf in Toronto did. Hoping to improve from last years horrible year at the plate is second baseman Adam Kennedy. Kennedy hit just .219 last year and only managed a meager 18 RBI’s. Aaron Miles will be a good backup to Kennedy, but should not be considered a full time player. The team decided against bringing back fan favorite shortstop David Eickstein, instead opting to sign shortstop Cesar Izturis. Izturis (much like Eickstein), doesn’t hit for much power, so anything less the gold glove caliber defense will be considered a disappointment. Yadier Molina will handle the backstop duties and is known for being an exceptional defensive catcher. Former pitcher Rick Ankiel takes over centerfield after the club traded Jim Edmonds in the offseason. The Cardinals expect him to be a big bat to help out the lineup. Skip Shumaker comes off an impressive spring training where he earned the right field and lead off positions. Chris Duncan will be the teams left fielder. LaRussa hopes to hide his lack of a decent arm in left field. Ryan Ludwick should be the primary replacement for any of the outfielders. Top prospect Colby Rasmus may see time at some point during the season as well. The Cardinals rotation will begin the season at a disadvantage, starting w/ out ace Chris Carpenter as well as lefthander Mark Mulder. Adam Wainwright will begin his second season in the rotation hoping to improve on his 14-12 record and solidify his status as a starter after first joining the big league club as a reliever. Braden Looper, another former relief pitcher, returns this season after posting a 12-12 record last year. Joel Pineiro, a right-hander, will be a solid number three starter. The end of the rotation as of right now is a major question mark. Off-season addition Matt Clement seems to have all the tools to be a solid pitcher, but has never been consistent on the major league level. Brad Thompson pitched well enough in spring training to beat out Anthony Reyes for the final rotation spot. Reyes and Todd Wellemeyer will be the options should they need another starter. Jason Isringhausen continues to be on the top closers in baseball for the Cardinals, though he could be the subject of many trade rumors should the Cardinals fail to stay in contention. His primary set up men include right-handers Russ Springer and Ryan Franklin. Lefty relievers Randy Flores and Tyler Johnson need to improve against left handed hitters this season after struggling most of last year. Reyes will begin the season in the bullpen, primarily as the teams long reliever. The Cardinals season this year hinges mostly on the health of their two starting pitchers (Carpenter and Mulder) and their two big hitters (Glaus and Pujols). If the pitchers don’t return early enough, or the hitters don’t consistently get on base, it will be a very long season for Tony LaRussa and the Cardinals. However, GM John Mozeliak could impact the playoffs if he decides to deal some veteran players to contending teams in an attempt to rebuild the redbirds.</span>
