We are 14 games into the major league baseball season, and I've yet to blog anything about your first place St. Louis Cardinals! After their win tonight, the Cardinals are 10-4, and leading the N.L. Central Division.
My prediction for this year's squad is 84-78, which is significantly better than most prognosticators said. I see the Cardinals in contention, into September. It seems the Cardinals do not have as much talent as in years past, but it is refreshing to see a younger team that is thrilled for a chance to step on a big league field. The Cardinals have more team speed than they have had for several years, and they appear to have very good team chemistry.
My prediction for this year's squad is 84-78, which is significantly better than most prognosticators said. I see the Cardinals in contention, into September. It seems the Cardinals do not have as much talent as in years past, but it is refreshing to see a younger team that is thrilled for a chance to step on a big league field. The Cardinals have more team speed than they have had for several years, and they appear to have very good team chemistry.
Here are my thoughts on some of the individual players:
Skip Schumaker: Will have a solid season. Above average outfielder and leadoff hitter.
Chris Duncan: I still don't see him as an everyday player. He needs to be a left-handed power bat off the bench, and spell Albert at first base.
Albert Pujols: As good as ever. And that's very good.
Rick Ankiel: He will have a lot of strikeouts, but I think he will approach 30 home runs and 100 RBI's. His defensive potential is sky high.
Troy Glaus: Not impressed with his defense. Hopefully he will start hitting some home runs.
Yadier Molina: His offense seems improved. Defense is gold-glove caliber.
Adam Kennedy: See Yadier Molina. Could be a "comeback player of the year" candidate.
Cesar Izturis: His defense looks pretty good. If he can get a timely hit now and then, he'll be a solid, free agent pick-up.
Ryan Ludwick: I like this guy a lot. He should be the third outfielder. If he gets enough at-bats, he'll go for 20 home runs and 75 RBI's. Very solid defensively.
Aaron Miles: Small and scrappy. Good bench guy.
Jason LaRue: Gotta love the hair. The coolest backup catcher in the league.
Rico Washington: Pulling for the former Springfield Cardinal. But probably needs to go to Memphis when Brendan Ryan gets better.
Brian Barton: Again, gotta love the hair. Perhaps the most intriguing Cardinal. Lots of energy and upside. I like him.
Starting Pitching: Wainwright is the real deal. All the rest are patchwork. The Cardinals probably have the position players to win the division, but the starting pitching is too shaky. We desperately need Mulder to be Mulder when he gets back. Carpenter may make a late season contribution.
Bullpen: Shaky so far. Ron Villone needs to go. Kyle McClelland looks like the real deal. Reyes may be emerging as a premier 8th inning guy. Have a feeling Izzy may be going downhill.
The trade I would make: Package Duncan & Reyes for a legitimate clean-up hitter/corner outfielder to hit behind Albert.
Go Cardinals!
Chris Duncan: I still don't see him as an everyday player. He needs to be a left-handed power bat off the bench, and spell Albert at first base.
Albert Pujols: As good as ever. And that's very good.
Rick Ankiel: He will have a lot of strikeouts, but I think he will approach 30 home runs and 100 RBI's. His defensive potential is sky high.
Troy Glaus: Not impressed with his defense. Hopefully he will start hitting some home runs.
Yadier Molina: His offense seems improved. Defense is gold-glove caliber.
Adam Kennedy: See Yadier Molina. Could be a "comeback player of the year" candidate.
Cesar Izturis: His defense looks pretty good. If he can get a timely hit now and then, he'll be a solid, free agent pick-up.
Ryan Ludwick: I like this guy a lot. He should be the third outfielder. If he gets enough at-bats, he'll go for 20 home runs and 75 RBI's. Very solid defensively.
Aaron Miles: Small and scrappy. Good bench guy.
Jason LaRue: Gotta love the hair. The coolest backup catcher in the league.
Rico Washington: Pulling for the former Springfield Cardinal. But probably needs to go to Memphis when Brendan Ryan gets better.
Brian Barton: Again, gotta love the hair. Perhaps the most intriguing Cardinal. Lots of energy and upside. I like him.
Starting Pitching: Wainwright is the real deal. All the rest are patchwork. The Cardinals probably have the position players to win the division, but the starting pitching is too shaky. We desperately need Mulder to be Mulder when he gets back. Carpenter may make a late season contribution.
Bullpen: Shaky so far. Ron Villone needs to go. Kyle McClelland looks like the real deal. Reyes may be emerging as a premier 8th inning guy. Have a feeling Izzy may be going downhill.
The trade I would make: Package Duncan & Reyes for a legitimate clean-up hitter/corner outfielder to hit behind Albert.
Go Cardinals!
