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Spring Training 08 (394)
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St. Louis Cardinals: Spring Training Information[ Comments (2) ] [ Full Story ]
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By C-70[ Tagged: Cardinals, Info, Spring Training 08 ] Location: Roger Deal Stadium - Jupiter, FL Pitchers and Catchers Report: Feb. 14th First Game: Feb. 27th Schedule Projected Opening Day Lineup
Long: Anthony Reyes Situational: Randy Flores, Tyler Johnson, Chris Perez 7th Inning: Russ Springer 8th Inning: Ryan Franklin Closer: Jason Isringhausen Key Battles: The Cardinals go into spring training with more questions than in previous years. While most of the infield is settled, up the middle has too many bodies for not enough slots. Adam Kennedy would seem to be the choice at second, if only because of his contract, but his lack of participation (and the Rolen trade) have moved him into Tony LaRussa’s doghouse, not the best of places to be no matter TLR’s fondness for animals. Cesar Izturis was signed in the offseason and may get the first shot at shortstop, but Aaron Miles and Brendan Ryan will be looking to take at bats away from both of these guys. And, if he plays well, D’Angelo Jimenez could use that minor league contract as a springboard to major league playing time. The outfield is a little jumbled as well. Rick Ankiel and Chris Duncan are basically guaranteed playing time, but the last slot (vacant due to the terrible injury to Juan Encarnacion last season) has a number of players vying for it. Rule V draftee Brian Barton needs to stick with the team or be offered back to Cleveland. Skip Schumaker could be the leadoff hitter this team is lacking. Ryan Ludwick is one of the few that swings from the right side of the plate. And the Cardinals’ top prospect, Colby Rasmus, could have a strong enough spring to push Ankiel (or whomever) out of center. The rotation is fairly set. The key thing to watch is the return to health of Mark Mulder. The team expects him ready in May, so he should be close to full strength in spring training if that’s to happen. Chris Carpenter should also be rehabbing in Jupiter, but his return is not expected until the All-Star break at the earliest. The bullpen is fairly set as well, though what will happen with Anthony Reyes could be worth keeping an eye on. He seems to be the odd man out in the rotation and could be showcased for an early season trade. What To Expect: Most everyone expects this season to be a transition year for St. Louis. That said, there are reasons to be more optimistic and hope for at least a .500 season. If LaRussa still has the focus of the club as he thought he did when he decided to return, you should see the team play a hard 9 all year long. Cardinal70 covers the St. Louis Cardinals on his blog, C70 At The Bat. CommentsAs Michael pointed out, you're either not a Cardinals fan or a very misinformed one. The lineup will look something like this Skip Schumaker RF/CF The rotation is going to be Reyes is the 5th or goes to Memphis Bullpen If one of them beats Reyes for the 5th spot then it's Bench and either Brian Barton or Juan Gonzalez Dark horse candidates for opening day would be Brendan Ryan at the expense of either Kennedy or Miles Please try and do some actual research before you make crap up |
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After reading this I'm not sure if you’re a Cards fan at all. No one thinks that Mulder is set to be the 5th starter as shown by an article in todays Post Dispatch (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/D93BE0DD303CE8D4862573F00010814A?OpenDocument) highlighting Reyes, Thompson, and Wellemeyer as the contenders for the 5th spot. Then there is your projected line up? Izturis in the 2 hole? Come on every REAL Cards fan knows that TLR loves POWER in the 2 spot making Ankiel or Duncan the ideal fit. Anthony Reyes in the bullpen? WE have two great swing guys in Thompson and Wellemeyer plus Reyes has 1 more year option year so he would be more likely to be DFA and be a starter in AAA to build up confidence and value. Finally, Don't discount the idea of the pitcher batting 8th again. It wouldn't surprise me if Izturis or Kenndey was batting 9th. Thanks again for your terrible insight.