February 12, 2008 -- Some familiar faces will be missing this week when Spring Training gets under way in Jupiter Florida. The Cardinal's who appear to be in a transition to a younger team have said farewell to some mainstay veterans. Only three starting position players remain from the 2006 World Series team. Out are Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, David Eckstein and So Taguchi. In are Cesar Izturis, Troy Glaus and Jason LaRue.

The Cardinals outfield remains one of the biggest uncertainties   for 2008 going into spring training. The Cardinals opening day average age of likely outfield starters this season will be at least a decade younger then that of just a couple seasons ago. In fact there isn't an outfielder coming to spring training with the Cardinals that had 400 at-bats in the majors last year. And none with at least two years of experience. Leading the youth movement for contention in the outfield are Chris Duncan, Rick Ankiel, Cody Rasmus and Brian Barton. Among the many wild-cards for an outfield spot are 38-year old former MVP Juan Gonzalez who's barely swung a bat in the last 5 years.

With the exception of the acquisition of Matt Clement the Cardinals pitching rotation will have some familiar faces. Carpenter looks to return during mid-season and Mark Mulder who threw off the mound this week for the first time since he had shoulder surgery in September looks to be ready by May. Wainwright and Looper look to anchor the top of the rotation with Pineiro, Clement, Reyes, Thompson and Wellemeyer all vying for a spot in the rotation.

The bullpen is the one aspect of the Cardinals team with very few question. With the exception of Percival, the bullpen is a carbon copy of last seasons pen which was among the best in the league. Springer and Franklin who were solid in the setup roll, will form a solid trio behind a rejuvenated Jason Isringhausen. Josh Kinney, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, should be ready early on after a strong start last season.

The 2008 Cardinals have the possibility of being a competitive team but there are still many uncertainties from the starting rotation and lead-off hitter to the outfield going into spring training. The rotation looks to have the biggest potential and the bullpen which was a bright spot from a year ago remains intact and should be solid. To be a winning team the offense will have to remain healthy and produce consistently.

ADDITIONS: Juan Gonzalez OF; Troy Glaus 3B; Josh Phelps 1B; Matt Clement SP; Cesar Izturis SS; Jason LaRue C

SUBTRACTIONS: Jim Edmonds OF; Scott Rolen 3B; So Taguchi OF; Mike Maroth SP; Miguel Cairo IF; Gary Bennett C; David Eckstein SS; Troy Percival RP; Kip Wells SP