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The Cardinals are coming off their first non playoff season in 4 years - the first sub 500 in almost a decade - and 4 starters are off the everyday 8 that stunk it up last year.
Yet - in the land of davhalala (thats Davhaf and Schwahalala together) there are reasons for optimism.
1. Leadership. Hard to say how many games Alcoholism and Drug addiction cost the Cardinals last year. We Spezio not ready to go when he should have been - Duncan missing some stupid time - the death of Josh Hancock - and the skip obviously being unprepared to go - there were many things that were wrong. Spezio, Rolen, Eck and Edmonds being off the team leave Albert as the unquestioned leader.
He appears to be a nononsense hard ass. Hopefully that filters into some of his teammates.
2. Pitching. Last year the bullpen did a fine job when they weren't asked to pitch in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th innings. Now you have to assess the blow up factor of each pitcher.
How likely is it that they put the Cards in a 5 run whole before the third. Pitcher by Pitcher.
Wainwright - less - reason more experience
Looper - less - more experience as a starter.
Pinero over Wells - less - better control
Clement over Reyes - less - more experience
Thompson over Reyes and Thompson - Thompson could be even - last year he really didn't stink up the joint as a starter - Same for Wellmeyer.
Lohse - an upgrade over Wells - Reyes - Wellmeyer - and Thompson.
So the starters should actually improve in 3 spots and stay no less than the same in two others.
3. Bullpen - what goes up must come down and last year was an up year. So why don't I think it will come down. If Izzy is healthy and so far he has been - he's good. Thats the key.
4. Offense - We lost Eck, Juan, Scotty and Jimmy. Scotty and Jimmy weren't extra productive for them or even most averages - Eck was slightly better than average offensively but below average defensively. Juan was good and will be missed.
Only Tony using Izturis to death is a signifcant drag - Kennedy appears to be much improved - Glaus will give us what Rolen did offensively if not better - but no one can give us his defense. But the outfield is doing okay - Jimmy probably won't be missed.
Offensively you will have better performances from 2nd - 3rd - Center - and Left - Hold your own at 1st, catcher and Center - and maybe a slight drop in right.
So how much improved is the competition.
Cubs added Fuku and Leiber and are one year together stronger
Brewers added a bullpen which could be huge if it works.
Reds added a lot via trade but gave up some stuff too.
Astros added Tejada but never addressed their pitching.
Pirates - nothing.
So were better and the competition is not much better than last year.
We got a shot.
Yet - in the land of davhalala (thats Davhaf and Schwahalala together) there are reasons for optimism.
1. Leadership. Hard to say how many games Alcoholism and Drug addiction cost the Cardinals last year. We Spezio not ready to go when he should have been - Duncan missing some stupid time - the death of Josh Hancock - and the skip obviously being unprepared to go - there were many things that were wrong. Spezio, Rolen, Eck and Edmonds being off the team leave Albert as the unquestioned leader.
He appears to be a nononsense hard ass. Hopefully that filters into some of his teammates.
2. Pitching. Last year the bullpen did a fine job when they weren't asked to pitch in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th innings. Now you have to assess the blow up factor of each pitcher.
How likely is it that they put the Cards in a 5 run whole before the third. Pitcher by Pitcher.
Wainwright - less - reason more experience
Looper - less - more experience as a starter.
Pinero over Wells - less - better control
Clement over Reyes - less - more experience
Thompson over Reyes and Thompson - Thompson could be even - last year he really didn't stink up the joint as a starter - Same for Wellmeyer.
Lohse - an upgrade over Wells - Reyes - Wellmeyer - and Thompson.
So the starters should actually improve in 3 spots and stay no less than the same in two others.
3. Bullpen - what goes up must come down and last year was an up year. So why don't I think it will come down. If Izzy is healthy and so far he has been - he's good. Thats the key.
4. Offense - We lost Eck, Juan, Scotty and Jimmy. Scotty and Jimmy weren't extra productive for them or even most averages - Eck was slightly better than average offensively but below average defensively. Juan was good and will be missed.
Only Tony using Izturis to death is a signifcant drag - Kennedy appears to be much improved - Glaus will give us what Rolen did offensively if not better - but no one can give us his defense. But the outfield is doing okay - Jimmy probably won't be missed.
Offensively you will have better performances from 2nd - 3rd - Center - and Left - Hold your own at 1st, catcher and Center - and maybe a slight drop in right.
So how much improved is the competition.
Cubs added Fuku and Leiber and are one year together stronger
Brewers added a bullpen which could be huge if it works.
Reds added a lot via trade but gave up some stuff too.
Astros added Tejada but never addressed their pitching.
Pirates - nothing.
So were better and the competition is not much better than last year.
We got a shot.
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