(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the majors, yes, even the Royals. Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked.)
Keeping It Real
OK, maybe that doesn't seem like a ton of wins. But, consider a few things. Well, only two things. First, consider that the Cardinals under Tony LaRussa have only failed to reach at least 80 wins twice. In 13 years. Second, take a look at this roster, the guys projected to pitch and hit for the Cards. Three of the guys projected in the starting lineup have a total of 48 career homers (Joe Mather, Yadier Molina, Skip Schumaker). And that doesn't include the pitcher's spot, wherever he happens to bat (more on that later). And the rotation? Wow, talk about a bunch of who's who and reclamation projects. Repeat performances may seem unlikely, but are necessary for guys like Kyle Lohse and Todd Wellemeyer. Despite that they don't have a closer yet, have one truly proven offensive player, and no truly proven pitchers, they'll still be good. Some how.
Tony LaRussa's A Genius?
I guess so. But, can we stop giving him so much credit for moving the pitcher out of the 9th spot into the 8th spot? Is this that big of a deal? If he moved a pitcher (Micah Owings anyone?) to a spot like the 5th or clean up or something and it worked out, I'd really be floored. But one spot up? Oh wow! And, on top of that, when has it really worked out so tremendously? If I was a Cardinal, and I was moved out of the 8th spot to the 9th spot for a pitcher, I wouldn't find that cute. Or the move of a genius. I'd find that offensive. I'd be like, Anthony, dude, you can't seriously think this is going to work. I take batting practice every damn day, and this is what I get?
Reclamation Galore
First it was Rick Ankiel. Then Ryan Ludwick and Todd Wellemeyer. Now, it's Khalil Greene. The Ankiel thing didn't really blow me away so much, as he didn't hit for a high average and struck out a ton of times. Most decent players given over 400 ABs could hit 25 homers with those other stats. Wellemeyer too didn't really blow me away, as he faded towards the end of the year. But Ludwick. Wowsers. 28 homers and 96 RBIs from 2002-2007. 37 and 113 in 2008. I'd pray he's not stupid enough to have used steroids, but nowadays, who knows. It sure smacks of Brady Anderson, doesn't it? Then again, we will see what he does for an encore this year. Greene, I'll admit, I do like. Prior to last year, his power was decent for a shortstop, and he can pick it. Away from Petco Park finally, he'll rebound.
Annoying Middle Infielders Come With Price Of Admission
Guys like Brendan Ryan, and David Eckstein and Skip Schumaker and Adam Kennedy piss me off. Maybe it's because I like my major leaguers like I like my coffee, tall and more athletic than I am. Not sure exactly what it is. But these pesky little S.O.B.s seem to always find their way on to the Cardinals roster. And, as it is annoying to hear mindless commentators call old lefties crafty but not old righties, I can't stand when (because he's little) a player is automatically scrappy. By the way, don't think I've forgotten about you, Bo Hart. Little bugger.
Bold Predictions
Khalil Greene will hit at least 20 homers, drive in at least 75 runs, and have a good season. Each would be significant upgrades from last year's stellar effort of .254/10/35.
Chris Carpenter appears ready to dial it up again this year. He won't ever be as dominant as he was a few years back, but expect him to last all season (bold right there) and also expect results similar to Lohse and Wellemeyer from last year.
Inexplicably, Ryan Franklin will get many chances to close games. Maybe Chris Perez isn't ready (or good enough, though who knows yet?), but how much more does Franklin need to do that proves he's nothing better than average.
Up Next...Friday, White Sox
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