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By Jon Schatz
REDBIRDCENTRAL.COM
02/17/2010
With all of the cold weather here in the Midwest it's hard to believe Spring Training is already getting into full swing down in Jupiter, FL. Favored to win another division title, the Cardinal’s have high expectations headed into this Spring Training.
Most of the hullabaloo this offseason has revolved around the addition of Mark McGwire to the Cardinals coaching staff but in case you missed it the Cardinals re-signed Matt Holliday to a franchise record seven-year $120 million contract. The Cardinals also picked up Cy Young candidate and two-time All-Star Brad Penny as well as former Cubs prospect Rich Hill.
The Cardinals look to have a relatively healthy squad going into Spring Training as opposed to most years. Ryan, who underwent arthroscopic surgery February 9 to relieve persistent discomfort in his right wrist, should start taking swings in the next couple weeks and hopes to be ready for opening day. Albert Pujols is also recovering from another elbow surgery but is expected to be ready by April 5th.
With 36 combined wins in 2009, the Cardinals are counting on Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright to anchor the top of their rotation. The Cardinals hope the newcomer Brad Penny can provide a third strong arm in the middle of the rotation. Kyle Lohse, who signed a four-year extension a year ago is back for his third season in a Cardinal uniform capturing the fourth spot. Penny who is the Cardinal’s only free agent signing, excelled with the Giants late last season after struggling with Boston. Back in the National League, the Cardinals are hoping for big season from the former Cy Young candidate. With the departure of Todd Wellemeyer, their looks to be plenty of completion for that coveted fifth spot in the rotation. With the help of Dave Duncan, the Cardinals hope Rich Hill can fill that position. A promising young pitcher just a few years ago, he has struggle with control and has bounced around between teams the last couple of season. Prospect Jaime Garcia, who missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2008, could get a chance as well as Mitchell Boggs, Kyle McClellan and Blake Hawksworth which all have excelled as starters in the past.
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Third base still remains the biggest uncertainty for the Cardinals infield with David Freese looking to be the front-runner. Skip Schumaker who has spent much of the off-season in the batting cage with Mark McGwire, looks to build on a strong first year at second base since his conversion from the outfield. Brendan Ryan will look to pick up where he left off last season after undergoing wrist surgery earlier this month. Little has been said about the status of Albert’s surgically repaired elbow. Pujols, who suffered a career worst drought of 89 at-bats without a home run, is expected to be ready by opening day. If that’s the case, a fresh elbow could mean another MVP season for Albert Pujols. Rounding out the infield, Yadier Molina looks to have another strong offensive year behind the plate. Jason LaRue, who is coming off of a fresh contract, will play backup to Yadi once again.
One familiar face that will be missing this spring will be Rick Ankiel who was the longest tenured Cardinal. Ankiel, who spent over a decade with the Cardinals, was unable to recapture his swing after an early season collision with the outfield wall. Holliday, Rasmus and Ludwick will anchor a strong outfield trio in 2010.
The Cardinal bullpen remains unchanged from last season. All-Star Ryan Franklin, who had an impressive 2009 season as the Cardinals' closer looks to repeat that performance after faltered down the stretch, causing some offseason doubt in his ability to replicate his 38-save season. The Cardinals are also counting on Kyle McClellan to fill that all important set-up roll. Josh Kinney, who has suffered numerous setbacks the last couple seasons, looks to make a big splash in the Cardinals bullpen this season.
As was the case last season, the success of the Cardinals bullpen will rest on the ability of the starting rotation to consume innings. With the National League's best 3-4 combination in the lineup and the best 1-2 starting punch on the mound the Cardinals look to be the favorite to win their second consecutive division title. This could be Tony LaRussa’s last season with the Cardinals giving him that much more fire to win another world series. Albert Pujols, who enters 2010 with a fresh elbow, could be a serious threat for a triple crown. 2010 should be another exciting season to be a Cardinals fan.
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