Over half way thru S T and the Birds are beginning to falter. However, Brian Barton has impressed me so far and I think La Russa should look at him as a starter in the outfield and I think he is the answer to the lead-off batter. He has speed, power, average and is always on base. He's healthy now and we may have just stolen one from Cleveland. Isturis is terrible and a waste of time. Put Ryan in at short and let him develop. He brings high energy and intensity and is a pretty fair hitter. Pitching is the biggest weakness but could improve if Clement can get healthy. Anyway, i'm ready for opening day.

I see what you're saying man. Trading Rasmus would have a huge negative impact on the Cardinals. You would essentially be trading away the future (potential) face of the franchise for a veteran that might not stay around more than 2-3 years tops. That's where the lack of depth in the farm system hurts St.Louis. Other than Rasmus in 2005 they haven't drafted a top level prospect since Pujols (except Daric Barton who was sent to Oakland along with Dan Haren for Mulder if memory serves) and without the prospects to dangle in trade talks it's really hard to get top-tier guys away from their clubs. The cards might can win with the lineup they have as long as Pujols decides to keep postponing TJ surgery however I think their pitching is atrocious. Wainwright is a future all-star and could approach 16-18 wins, Carpenter getting healthy is key. I'm sorry Cards fans but I think Mulder and Clement are toast and never thought Reyes was any good to begin with. That being said good luck to the Cards this year and GO ANGELS!!!!

Hey Cardsfan, if you still have your season tickets I would be interested in buying a weekend series from you again if you have any available. That Angels series last year was a blast! Just let me know.

I agree Bassmaster, Barton has been impressive but he's merely a stop-gap until Rasmus is ready as i'm sure most would agree. Duncan in left (every game, not just twice a week like last year), Rasmus in center, and Ankiel in right would be a formidable outfield at least offensively.

Your probably right, but Duncan can't hit lefty's and is one of the worst outfielders I have ever seen in my life. Lord help the cardinals if he plays everyday in LF.

I agree Sigma but my gut feeling is that they send Rasmus to Memphis for a little more preping and for longer control of him. With that being said I think Barton is the perfect fit for leadoff. He also has the ability to steal bases.

Sigma,

I sent you a reply via PM.

CardsfaninAR

Nice to see the Cards make a move and add Lohse. Hope this helps the injured staff hang close till Carp and Mul are back.

Reyes is getting sharper as he shuts down the Braves yesterday and Ankiel hammers two jacks. The Cards just may not lay down for everyone this year after all. Not saying they will dominate but I do think they will compete and will surprise many naysayers.

It's Spring Training....

No Joke...

Bassmaster,

I am a true homer when it comes to discussing the Cardinals, and I hope you are right. As long as the team is competitive, I can be content. I am just uncertain as to how competitive the 2008 Cardinals will be. There are moments when I think, "Well, maybe...." Yet, I am far from convinced of anything positive for this season.

I by no means want the Cubs to do well. In fact, I hope it is another 100 years plus another 100 years before they win the World Sereis.

Is it possible that Reds will be on the radar this season?

Yes Cardsfan, the Reds seem to give me as much concern as the Cubbies this season. Mark this down, many want to already give this season to the Cubs but I see it being a tough fight to the end in this division. The Reds will compete. As for our beloved Redbirds, there are many ifs but I do see plenty of upside to this season. 1. Pujols is having a great spring, can he stay healthy all season (if). 2. Lohse will help bolster the staff. 3. Pinero and Clement have proven in the past they can provide stability to the staff until Carpenter and Mulder can return (if). 4. Glaus is having a pretty good spring will bolster HR production, can he stay healthy (if). 5. Ankiel can prove his bat was no fluke last year (if). 6. Schumaker or Barton can step up and be the leadoff man we desperately need (if). Lots of ifs but also lots of potential. Remember this, if the Birds can stay close until the 2nd half and they start getting all pitching healthy and productive they could then make a move with excess pitching for another big bat (if) needed. The glass of water is half full, Go Cardinals!!!

Here is a real positive for Cardinals fans. Wainright signed to a long term-term deal.

I really like what he says at the end of the most recent article.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/st...5F?OpenDocument

With this signing, I think it is proof positive that the organization is willing to maintain its winning ways.

Well Mother Nature had something to do with the Cardinals Opening Day. However, the Cards looked good and I will say once again I think it's going to be a good year for the Birds. Wainwright looked sharp and the bats were booming.

tough game last night for Cards fans....as expected not much offense although the pitching was better than expected from Lohse. Can't wait for Ubaldo to throw tomorrow night. If you haven't seen this kid throw I suggest you tune in to this one...he throws fire. Actually threw more 100 MPH fastballs than anybody except Verlander last season.