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The Cardinals should worry much more about their pitching because in the long run their pitching ain't holding up. And getting an "impact hitter" would cost more pitching.

that's just it - the pitching has been holding up pretty good so far, and the guys on the mend are are making good progress. In fact, by midseason when everyone's healthy, they'll have a backlog of pitchers - why not get a hitter then?

Beeotches Brew - I would have to agree with your assessment...I think the Cardinals are being counted out way too early...(That was not toward you Coletrain)....This team looked good against the Stros, and I think they can handle the Cubs or Brewers...

We do need a legitimate clean up hitter. We haven't had one since Rolen and Edmonds started declining.

Who is cleaning up now....Is Ankiel the clean-up?

CardsFan2, thanks for your comment. I had the feeling this was how Cardinal fans viewed Edmonds, let alone anyone else who follows baseball. As a Padres fan, I'm left still wondering why in the world did San Diego take a chance on a guy for offense that another team let go despite knowing all along it would need offensive upgrades?

Its to bad Juan Gonzalez didn't pan out. I thought he had a few more good seasons left in him. (Sarcastically speaking). In all seriousness, trade for Jason Bay. He is going to leave Pittsburgh this year anyway. may as well go to St. Louis.

My mouth waters a little think of Jason Bay comin to tha Lou. Cards are too cheap though. Did you read what the story said? "Internally." LaRussa is not the type of guy to go out and grab someone off the market and pray they'll work. He's got something in the minors that might shape out to be our next big bat. And our pitching is going to pay for itself. I thought LaRussa was crazy to let Weaver go and keep guys like Flores. But our middle relief brings it on some night. Considering most of them would struggle on other teams, it speaks volumes of our pitching coach Dave Duncan. Without Dunk, we're nothing. LaRussa pays his folks well too. Smart guy that Tony. And how is it he knows every famous hard-nosed coach in EVERY FREAKING SPORT? I'm just glad he's on my side.

Orlando - That kid Flores looked real good the other night, but placement did not seem to be on track...Any idea how many pitches he can throw? (Type not quantity)

Isn't that Tony LaRussa the manager that gets popped for drunken driving every year?

I'm not sure who is available, but I would like to see the 'Birds make a run at a shortstop with an excellent bat... not necessarily a cleanup hitter like a lot of people seem to be assuming.

Don't take this the wrong way Cards fans, but it may be better that they don't have a great season. If they make the postseason but Albert's elbow goes bad in July or August, he's out virtually all of next year. If they aren't in the hunt come June, maybe he has his surgery and can somewhat salvage next season. On the other hand, he may never hit again after Tommy John surgery. I just realized that I have no idea what to think of this. And yes, Broadhead, that is Tony LaRussa the manager that gets a DUI then releases Scott Spiezio when he gets one.

LaRussa didn't release Spiezio, ownership did.
Not keeping Weaver was a wise decision, that was a total fluke and he wanted too much money. Flores is a much needed lefty, especially with Johnson hurt - I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a high pitch count capacity, but he's used pretty much only to face lefties so who knows.

I agree with you, wtnelson - I thought they should have made rebuilding this year's priority instead of doing half n' half. But honestly, the team is off to a great start so maybe they have a wise strategy - too early to tell.

Pujols' elbow is indeed the wild card here - which why they need an impact bat.

I'm actually excited about the season, lots of intrigue - they'll be entertaining at the least. I'm predicting a 3rd place finish if Pujols can remain at least relatively healthy.

He's more of a punchline...

#1astrosfan

Sometimes Ankiel is clean up and sometimes it's Glaus. I don't think either of them is really appropriate.

Ankiel's better in the 2 slot and Glaus belongs in either 5 or 6.

Cardsfan - Gotcha....for some reason I was thinking that Ankiel had earned that spot during Spring Training....Who do you think would be better in clean-up?

Think some guy named Bonds is available. Tony always defended Big Mac so he should have no qualms about taking in another cheater.

Juan would be a terrific fit, as long as the much anticipated hamstring transplant goes through