Tony La Russa has changed the game of baseball. He is widely credited with the invention of the modern bullpen (where specific innings are designated to pitchers). His innovative thinking in hitting the pitcher 8th has garnered much attention but he will need to pull out all the stops to have a playoff team in 2011. It is never safe to bet against Albert Pujols but, without Adam Wainwright this team is slightly above average at best. The Cardinals are a well run orgainzation but may be a bit disgruntled by their final position in the standings.
Projected Lineup:
- Ryan Theriot (SS)
- Colby Rasmus (CF)
- Albert Pujols (1B)
- Matt Holliday (LF)
- Lance Berkman (RF)
- Skip Schumaker (2B)
- Yadier Molina (C)
- David Freese (3B)
Projected Rotation
Adam Wainwright- Chris Carpenter
- Jaimie Garcia
- Jake Westbrooke
- Kyle Lohse
- Kyle McClellan
Strengths
Albert Pujols: The guy has been the second best player EVER through his first 10 years. Ted Williams is first in W.A.R. while Pujols is close behind. Pujols has hit at least .300, with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in each of his 10 seasons. That’s the longest streak of such seasons for a player at any point in his career. Look at the names that are second and third: Lou Gehrig (9, 1929 to 1937) and Babe Ruth (8, 1926 to 1933). He’s never finished lower than 9th in MVP voting and he’s never played in a contract year. The Machine may be scary to watch this year.
LaRussa’s Favorite Player: LaRussa has quarrelled with his fair share of players in his career and once you get in his doghouse, it is usually hard to get out. Colby Rasmus is in that doghouse. Though he’s just 25 and posted the highest OPS (.859) of any regular center fielder a year ago, LaRussa doesn’t play him at times. This young guy is a strength of this team and could be for a long time if LaRussa gets over his childish ill will. I don’t like LaRussa. He’s a jerk.
Adam Wainwright: Adam Wainwright is a great pitcher. He finished second in the Cy Young last year, and third in 2008. He’s the best pitcher that nobody talks about and should continue to do that this year. O he’s hurt? Won’t pitch all season? Wow, that sucks Adam. I’m sorry, that really messes with your guys’ team. The Cardinal’s won’t contend without Wainwright. So shouldn’t this be a weakness? Whatever, nobody will read this anyway.
Weaknesses:
Defense: Matt Holiday is a below average defensive left fielder (that is hard to do at the Major League level) and I can’t remember the last time Lance Berkman could play a good outfield or even played in the outfield. Their suspect outfield defense will cost this team runs and ultimately games.
Rotation Depth: I realize this team has lost its ace but with Kyle Lohse penciled in at the four spot, it won’t get good. Lohse, since a good 2008 season has gone a combined 10-18 with a 1.55 WHIP. Then there is the mess at the 5 spot in the rotation. The RedBirds are trying out four different guys for the role.
Storylines:
BIG Money: Albert wants money. The Cardinals have a lot of money tied up in their Left Fielder who is significantly worse than Prince Albert. Pujols has requested 30 million a year and he’s justified in his demands. If A-Rod is worth as much as the Yankees pay him, Pujols should be paid an infinite amount. If the Cards decide to trade Pujols mid-season, we’re looking at something major. The RedBirds need to get more than two draft picks as compensation for being unable to sign Pujols to an extension.
LaRussa’s doghouse: Can Colby Rasmus get out of the doghouse and solidify his standing as a top center fielder? Will he continue to split time in center and ultimately be traded at a lesser value once the Cards slip out of contention? Its a make or break year for Rasmus’ relationship with the Cardinals.
Wainwright: Loosing an ace is not an easy thing to deal with and the Cards are significantly worse because of it. How will they cope with losing one of the best pitchers in the game for the season?
Prediction:
81-81, 3rd Place, NL Central. This team still has Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, and Matt Holliday. They won’t be bad but they won’t contend with the top two teams in this division and may consider rebuilding if they think Pujols will walk after this year. The thought of that may chase LaRussa off as manager and we’ll see an entirely new team in 2012. Hey, at least St. Louis will still have that big arch. How much would McDonalds pay to have a second arch built right next to that one? Enough to sign Pujols?
Bols Predictions:
- Tony LaRussa will retire at years end. Announcing his retirement one year after Bobby Cox and Joe Torre so that he can have his own walk off tour. He’s selfish enough to do it. I really just don’t like him for some reason.
- Colby Rasmus will get traded at midseason and help lead his new team to a pennant.
- Lance Berkman will be so bad in right that he breaks UZR, and we have to find a worthwhile statistic for grading fielding. We needed one anyway.
- Jaime Garcia will get hit around a bit. Losing record (10-12) with a 4.19 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP
And Now For Something Completely Different:
I applaud BYU for kicking Brandon Davies off the team. The kid may have just had premarital sex but, he had signed something that said he would uphold the moral standards of the Mormon Church. In failing to uphold those standards, he should not represent the uber-religious school as the basketball team gains national attention. Other schools should be a strong in upholding their standards. Miami, take a look at BYU.
I like to drink out of cups. Where else do you see a talking lizard? Geico only has a gecko.
Something for the ladies. Its about Lady Gaga. I didn’t read it because I’m not a lady.
Keep up with your current events. Forces firing tear gas on protesters.
Why are truffles so expensive? I don’t get the appeal. I guess I’ve never had one.
Do you have skin tags?
As always feel free to shoot us an email at offthebench@offthebenchbaseball.com
-Sean Morash
