| Scott Miller's Take |
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Majority owner Bill DeWitt and vice president Jeff Luhnow got what they wanted in running general manager Walt Jocketty out of town, clearing the way for them to mold the team the way they want to. So does that mean new GM John Mozeliak is making his own decisions? Answering to DeWitt and Luhnow? One thing will be clear in 2008: The Cardinals' prime is past, and there are hard days ahead. Video Outlook
Strengths
Slugger Albert Pujols is a great starting point for any lineup, though he has a bad elbow and hopes to make it through the season without surgery. The Cardinals might be just as fragile. Manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan are as well respected as anyone, but even La Russa at times seemed to wish he were elsewhere a year ago during a rough, rough season. La Russa put a good face on things this spring, but truth is, the Cardinals lack in several areas.
Weaknesses
After Adam Wainwright, the rotation is shaky. Ace Chris Carpenter, Mark Mulder, Matt Clement and Joel Pineiro will open on the disabled list. The Cards knew Carpenter and Mulder wouldn't be ready for the season, but they hoped Clement and Pineiro would give them some depth. Maybe they still will, but the Cards didn't accomplish what they hoped to this spring. The left side of the infield, shortstop Cesar Izturis and third baseman Troy Glaus, is a downgrade from a healthy David Eckstein and Scott Rolen.
Difference Maker
Mark Mulder. St. Louis hopes to get him back by June. If it happens, Mulder's arm could help keep them within striking distance of a solid -- but nowhere near great -- NL Central. If it doesn't, St. Louis will be in for its toughest season maybe since the 1995 club went 62-81 in a strike-shortened season.
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A big Cards story this spring was the status of Albert Pujols' elbow injury. He will need surgery but is hoping to delay it. (Getty Images)
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 78-84 (3rd in NL Central)
Manager: Tony La Russa, 13th year (972-887)
Stadium: New Busch Stadium (46,861; grass)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | S. Schumaker , RF | Last season, 43 of his 144 at-bats were at leadoff where he hit a .302 |
| 2. | R. Ankiel, CF | Could he be headed for a breakout especially after a strong spring |
| 3. | A. Pujols, 1B
| Will his elbow hold him back this season? It didn't in the spring |
| 4. | T. Glaus, 3B | A little less productive last season but still effective despite injury |
| 5. | C. Duncan, LF | Had a really rough spring and could continue to be limited by hernia injury |
| 6. | A. Kennedy, 2B | Trying to put 2007 behind him |
| 7. | Y. Molina, C | Ready to go after knee surgery and a new four-year deal |
| 8. | Pitcher | According to La Russa, a pitcher hitting eighth rarely hurt |
| 9. | C. Izturis, SS | An offensive downgrade but defensive upgrade |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
A. Wainwright (R) |
Got a new deal after a successful transition from closer to starter |
| 2. |
T. Wellemeyer (R) |
Pitched on four teams in the last two seasons |
| 3. |
B. Thompson (R) |
Was slated for the bullpen but landed in the rotation |
| 4. |
B. Looper (R) |
Also transitioned to starter after 103 career saves since '98 |
| 5. |
K. Loshe (R) |
Picked up mid-spring because of various injuries to other starters |
| Closer |
Comment |
| J. Isringhausen (R) |
Has five 30-plus save seasons for the Cardinals |
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