I know it is early ... but

I really think we are going to need some work on the interior of our infield by the trade deadline.  If we have a chance of making the post season we are going to need to get someone who can hit in the 2 hole and move Duncan down to the 5 or 6 spot.

Names to watch: 2B

Mark Grudzielanek  (KC) - Has a real chance to help us again - My first pick

Brian Roberts (Bal) - Maybe

Mark Ellis (Oak) - Would be nice to tap the Oakland trade pipeline again

Jeff Kent (LA) - Longshot

Ray Durham (SF) - A Vet bat

Names to watch: SS

David Eckstein (Tor) - This would be interesting, but a longshot

Orlando Cabera (Wsox) - I would love to have this guy

So, what other names should I watch as the season progresses that might be dressed in Cardinal Red?

I strongly disagree. First off, LaRussa likes power guys in the two hole, which payed off today. Second, Brendan Ryan is coming back and our infield is a little crowded already. Between Ryan, Kennedy, Miles, and Izturis, were set on the 2B,SS positions.

The double leadoff man strategy that LaRussa is using now works well fo power hitting #2s. Making them more like #3 hitters, and Albert the cleanup guy.

I say we stick with what we got now.

Billy Beane fleeced us with his trade two years ago getting Barton, Calero and Haren for Mulder, so they owe us one, but I don't think Mark Ellis is the answer.  Jarret Hopfauir has looked good in AAA thus far and may be a servicable replacement for Kennedy/Miles at second. 

Why would the Cardinals trade for Eckstein when they could have signed him in the offseason?  I wish they would have signed Cabrera this offseason when they had a chance.  If all of our pitchers (Piniero, Clement, Mulder and Carpenter) come back healthy, we are going to have a plethora of starting pitchers and should be sitting pretty come the trade deadline.  I would like to see them turn some of those starting pitchers into young prospects later in the season so they don't have to sign overpaid veterans like Adam Kennedy.

Dark Empire and drewbrees9,

Great posts guys and I must agree with Dark Empire with at least this much. This topic, like he said in his subject title "It's early...But", does bear discussion now because before you know it the All-Star break will be upon us. And like the saying goes the EARLY bird gets the worm, or, well at least has the better chance.

I am in partial agreement with both of you. How about this. The infield by that time, IF we have a chance of going to the playoffs, will be in need of a partial upgrade. I, in my opinion, would not tamper with 2B. However, I can and do see where we could upgrade at at the SS position. Not that I have anything against Iztu, but we will need to strengthen the position.

However, there are some things to keep in mind. Are the Cards going to go with 12 pitchers the entire season or step down to 11 to make room for another position player? If they go with 11 pitchers, at what position do we upgrade? Another thing to keep in mind is we might be promoting Colby Rasmus around mid-season. And what IF Juan Gonzalez decides to attempt another comeback (remember, the Cards do own the rights to the player)? Then the outfield becomes too crowded. Another thing to remember is we are out of options with Skip Schumaker.

Dark Empire, what would we do with Adam Kennedy IF we were to bring back Grudzielanek, or get Brian Roberts or Ray Durham (all are starters)? I think you would be glutting for punishment by tampering with the 2B position. Best solution? Leave well enough alone.

My over-all recommendation? IF we can afford to upgrade at SS I say do it. However, our best bet would be to upgrade our outfield. Our middle infield may be deep enough with Kennedy, Izturis, Ryan and Miles. Plus to add to that list, we have Jarrett Hoffpauir and Casey Rowlett at Memphis (AAA). Plus you can't forget about Pujols and Glaus. That means our middle infield upgrade options become very limited, if any at all.

I wish all Cardinals fans the best of luck this year and GO CARDINALS!!!!    68

I like what Mark Grudzielanek would do for this team.  Mark being a right handed hitter and Adam being a lefty could give Tony some real options come the post season.  Mark isn't fast or a big power guy, but he is solid. 

We made a mistake when we let Mark go.  He is a high OBP player (at least for 2B) who can hit at the top of the order. 

We do have some talent that could come around by the end of the year down on the farm.  But lets face it, Tony isn't known for turning over the team to rookies.  I know there was Duncan and Reyes, but injuries forced our hands there.  Reyes couldn't get a second game against the Tigers even after his first gem (not that he should have). 

Orlando would be a great pickup.  I too was frustrated we didn't pick him up.  I think the Cardinals regret how the SS position turned out and may look to fix the situation.