Question for those following Spring Training

[tigernumbe]

I haven't followed Spring training that closely this year. Could someone let me know if you're feeling are better or worse after the spring? Please nobody insert La Russa comments. I'm not a La Russa fan myself but I already know what he's going to bring. I want to be caught up to speed on the team. I heard Lankford might start-----is that true? Is he really capable of being a starter anymore?

[WinstonSmith]

I think the overall feeling is more positive now than three months ago.

But, that's not saying much.

[BurnKU]

My feeling is, this team will go as far as LaRussa takes them.

[WinstonSmith]

Burn, I'm not sure where you stand on Tony.

Care to enlighten me?

[dv6y]

I am encouraged by Morris and the emergence of Luna. I am nervous about Woody scuffling and Carpenter getting hammered.

[backstop]

I don't put much stock in anything that happens in March.

[tigernumbe]

Originally posted by WinstonSmith@Apr 1 2004, 07:38 PM
I think the overall feeling is more positive now than three months ago.

But, that's not saying much.

Yeah, but is the feeling better to the point of contending for division. Before spring training I though the Cardinals had a pretty firm hold on third place. I couldn't see them finishing higher than third or lower than third.

But hey, at least we can only be pleasantly suprised. I expect nothing this season.

[lazydaze]

tiger, there is a plethera of info in multiple threads.

Hope some of it is what you are looking for.

[tigernumbe]

Originally posted by backstop@Apr 1 2004, 07:45 PM
I don't put much stock in anything that happens in March.

Good point. I doubt i've really missed anything.

[WinstonSmith]

The people who argue that the Cards are improved over last year are correct. They are right in saying that the bullpen is stronger and -- believe it or not -- starting pitching cannot be any worse.

They incorrectly think that that will be enough.

Now, had the Cubs and Astros not improved as much as they did, I'd agree with them. But that's not the case.

I think the Cards were the best team in the division last year, despite their glaring problems. They just didn't get it done.

Over the winter, the Cubs and Astros both bridged that gap and then some.

I don't think there's any doubt in my mind that the Cards are a third place team on paper. But with the possibility of an Astro meltdown, and Cub injuries ... you never know.

[BurnKU]

I was always pretty neutral on LaRussa but I've gone downhill quite a bit the last 2 years. I would have liked a change prior to this year. I think I've given him the benefit of the doubt enough and he's consistently hurt this team in my opinion. The thing that bothers me most is his record in 1 run games, I think that says a lot.

[WinstonSmith]

Thanks for the response.

[tigernumbe]

Sorry for any poor grammar. I've been drinking tonight. I noticed a few verbs I missed. Fuck it though, huh?

[tigernumbe]

Originally posted by BurnKU@Apr 1 2004, 07:50 PM
I was always pretty neutral on LaRussa but I've gone downhill quite a bit the last 2 years. I would have liked a change prior to this year. I think I've given him the benefit of the doubt enough and he's consistently hurt this team in my opinion. The thing that bothers me most is his record in 1 run games, I think that says a lot.

Yeah, I've pretty much felt the same as you. My problem has been that La Russa, arguably, is a big reason for why we lost the last three times in the playoffs-----well, at least against the Diamondbacks in 2001 and the Braves in 2000.

[BurnKU]

Originally posted by WinstonSmith@Apr 1 2004, 07:49 PM
The people who argue that the Cards are improved over last year are correct. They are right in saying that the bullpen is stronger and -- believe it or not -- starting pitching cannot be any worse.

They incorrectly think that that will be enough.

Now, had the Cubs and Astros not improved as much as they did, I'd agree with them. But that's not the case.

I think the Cards were the best team in the division last year, despite their glaring problems. They just didn't get it done.

Over the winter, the Cubs and Astros both bridged that gap and then some.

I don't think there's any doubt in my mind that the Cards are a third place team on paper. But with the possibility of an Astro meltdown, and Cub injuries ... you never know.

I think there is a very good chance of a meltdown or injury problems with Houston and Chicago. I said all winter I thought we'd win 90 games. It just seems like teams I follow do better with no expectations. I'm actually a little scared of that 90 win prediction with the Woody and Carpenter situation. I think Reggie Sanders will be the key to the season, assuming everyone else does what we expect of them.