2011 St. Louis Cardinals MLB Preview (2010 record: 86-76, second place in NL Central)
If conventional wisdom holds true—that players do exceptionally well when they are due a new contract—then the St. Louis Cardinals should be in a fine position to win the National League Central. That’s because All-World player Albert Pujols, along with Cy Young-winner Chris Carpenter and Cy Young-runner-up Adam Wainwright could be out of St. Louis this time next year.
But for now, Pujols will still be a Cardinal, and coupled with Matt Holliday, should make a formidable duo. The addition of Lance Berkman and Ryan Theriot should add some speed and power on the bases. Another year under the belt for Colby Rasmus should pay huge dividends for the Cards, as the potential for a 20-20 guy could put them over the top offensively.
The team got bad news when they found their ace pitcher Adam Wainwright would be missing the season with a forearm injury. But they still have Chris Carpenter, Jake Westbrook and Jamie Garcia to keep the rotation afloat. If the bullpen duo of closer Ryan Franklin and set-up man Jason Motte meet with success, that could mean another run at an NL Central title for the Cards.
2010 St. Louis Cardinals MLB Preview:
One never knows what to expect from a St Louis Cardinals season - the possibilities seem endless. Last year, no one expected pitcher Chris Carpenter to be a dominating force as he returned from a shoulder surgery, yet he dazzled batters with 144 strikeouts, allowing just over one base runner per inning. In the 2009 season, the Cards began the year with a hole in their outfield, but finished with an earth-shattering performance by left fielder Matt Holliday, who they traded for mid-season.
This season, fans can expect the usual surprises, and anticipate a typical performance from a player who is anything but typical: Albert Pujols. The slugger is coming off of back-to-back seasons in which he claimed the National League Most Valuable Player Award, and slammed at least 37 home runs and 116 RBI. There's no reason to believe that one of the greatest players Major League Baseball has ever seen will fail to repeat those numbers. In fact, now that Pujols is under the instruction of a new hitting coach, Cardinal great Mark McGwire, fans might even see a little more pop in his bat (if that's even possible).
With the emergence of front-end pitcher Adam Wainwright and rising star Colby Rasmus, a return to the post season for the St Louis Cardinals would surely not be surprising.
2009 St. Louis Cardinals MLB Preview:
The St. Louis Cardinals have a great chance to return to elite status in Major League Baseball in 2009. Cards Manager Tony La Russa has a stacked team that is led by the amazing Albert Pujols. If Pujols and La Russa can get the Redbirds pitching staff firing on all cylinders, then watch out for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009.
2008 St. Louis Cardinals MLB Preview:
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the tough teams to watch this season in the National League. With the experience gained from winning a World Series in 2006, and with a tough season defending that title plagued by injury and tragedy, the team is looking to reassert itself at the top of its division and make another big playoff run. 40 plus thousand fans will fill the new Busch Stadium to see the Cards try to again dominate the MLB. A home game is a sight to see with the St. Louis Arch and downtown skyline in the background. It's truly a one of a kind experience for any sports fan.