Without their manager of the past 16 seasons or their first baseman of the past 11, the Cardinals would appear to be a much weaker and depleted team. Especially when the manager in question is the third-winningest of all time and the first baseman is one of the best all-around players of the last decade. But the 2012 Cardinals, at least on paper, would appear to be stronger and more prepared to win a title than the 2011 version.
For starters, the rotation looks very strong, with Adam Wainwright returning from Tommy John surgury and Chris Carpenter, Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse and Jake Westbrook returning. Now granted, Wainwright was still a part of the starting five at this time last year and Kyle McClellan filled in quite nicely for him the first couple of months of the season. Wainwright did not suffer his season-ending injury until the end of February, 2011. So anything can happen between now and Opening Day.
With the departure of Albert Pujols, the Cardinals resigned veteran Lance Berkman, who will start at first base for new manager Mike Matheny. The Cardinals also resigned shortstop Rafael Furcal and agreed to terms with outfielder Carlos Beltran. On Monday, the Redbirds signed veteran infielder Alex Cora to a minor league contract to help shore up any deficiencies up the middle.
David Freese, Yadier Molina, Skip Schumaker and Matt Holliday will return to their respective positions. It is assumed that, at least in early Spring Training, Jon Jay and Allen Craig will compete for playing time in the outfield and/or a starting job in right field, although Craig may not be immediately available to play due to offseason surgury.
As far as the bullpen is concerned, the role of closer appears to be Jason Motte's to lose. Mitchell Boggs, Lance Lynn, Kyle McClellan, Fernando Salas and Eduardo Sanchez, all right handers, are returning. From the left side, the club retained Mark Rzepczynski and signed J.C. Romero. It is expected that at least one of the right handers will either be moved before the season or open the season at Triple-A Memphis. All relievers spent time in the majors last year, so there is quite a bit of experience between them.
The biggest questiion mark for the defending champs may very well be the coaching staff. Ex-catcher Matheny is making his major league managerial debut. In addition to the retirement of Tony La Russa, long time pitching coach Dave Duncan announced that he will be taking the season off to spend time with his wife, who is recovering from the effects of a brain tumor. Ex-bullpen coach Derek Lilliquist will be Matheny's pitching coach this year. Mark McGwire will retain his positiion as hitting coach.
Chad Bunch - Cardinals fan, chef, Father, Husband, reader and writer. These are just a few of the adjectives and titles that describe my life. Marissa ...
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