Rejuvenated Cards Look to be Major Contenders

By: Jake

Sure, I could've used some horrible pun involving the use of the word "Holliday", but since I love our readers (all 4 of them), I decided not to. All fun aside, the addition of a star like Matt Holliday adds what would look like one of the final pieces to complete this team. Holliday brings a huge bat to the line up and also does the job of being the protector of Pujols that the Cards have been looking for since he started playing. You can look at him as the player Scott Rolen was for the Cards in '06 when they won the WS against the Tigers. Holliday will enter an already crowded outfield which includes star fielder Rick Ankiel, Rookie of the Year Colby Rasmus and Ryan Ludwick who is 2nd on the team with 17 HRs and is hitting .275. With the likely move being benching Rasmus in favor of Holliday, it will only make the Cards better having a hitter like Rasmus available to spot start of pinch hit whenever you want.

One other addition that has immensely improved the cards is the addition of Julio Lugo. Not only is Boston paying most of his salary this year, but he also adds an element of speed to the lineup that it was missing. Despite the questions about his work ethic, maybe a true baseball environment like St. Louis, will be the inspiration he needs to become an integral part of this team if its going to advance far into the playoffs.

As we all know, pitching in the playoffs is what wins Titles, and the Cardinals have no lack of pitching. Ace Chris Carpenter who has a 2.26 ERA through 15 games of work, has successfully comeback from a early season setback and pitched beautifully this season alongside the 11-6 Adam Wainwright who is sporting a slim 2.95 ERA more than half way through the season. However, the solid pitching does not end there as Kyle Lohse stands as a very good 3rd pitcher despite his 4-6 record. The cardinals are also blessed with All-Star closer Ryan Franklin who is 22 of 24 in save situations and has posted a 1.25 ERA and a 3:1 K to BB ration.

It looks like something special is in the works over in St. Louis and it will surely be interesting to watch it all unfold in the next 2 months.