Fantasy Forces:
CL-Jason Isringhausen (30)- Izzy gave the Cards their first true closer since the days of Eck and pitched like him as well.
Arm problems flared up after the break that led to offseason surgery and he may open the sesaon on the disabled list. When he returns,
he will be used in a less strenuous role this year, including less consecutive days and shorter stints, and will still be among the top
closers in the game.
SP-Matt Morris (28)- The arm fully intact, Morris fell short of 20 wins but was one of the top pitchers in the game once again.
Struggling with the death of Kile, he should come back stronger and better while taking up the ace role again. And he isn't done
improving yet. He is a perennial Cy Young candidate.
LF-Albert Pujols (23)- Chided by the "fluke" label following his out of nowhere ROY season, Pujols nearly duplicated
his stats across the board, removing the label and establishing himself as one the baseball's best pure hitters. A hitter with power,
he is unlikely to hit many more than his usual homerun pace but will be among the leaders in average, runs and RBIs and should see a steady
stream of opportunities this year. An MVP waiting to happe, he could end up back at first at some point.
SS-Edgar Renteria (27)- Going on his eighth season, it's hard to believe Renteria is only 27 years old. In what seems
like a eternal development period, the slick fielding speedster had his best year in '02 and his .327 average after the break suggests he
isn't finished yet. With the big four in the AL, Renteria heads the field among NL shortstops.
3B-Scott Rolen (27)- Like Renteria, Rolen is the Senior Circuit's top hitter at his position. Knocking in 44 runs in 55
games with the Cardinals, Rolen should flourish out of the scrutiny of contract talks and the Philly faithful. Were it not for Pujols,
he would be a prime MVP candidate but instead will just settle for his best year yet.
Better Days Ahead:
SP-Jimmy Journell (25)- Drafted in '99, the big righties debut has been delayed due to injuries. He has a wide repertoire but
needs to work on his pitches after a low-90s fastball. He has displayed good command in the past and will vie for the last spot in the
rotation but would probably benefit from a half season at Memphis.
SP-Jason Simontacchi (29)- With injuries and tragedy hindering the rotation, LaRussa called on the little-known Simontacchi to
fill in, making his major league debut after taking all of '00 off from baseball. His biggest start came on June 23, when he took the
mound the day after Kile's death. He is a favorite for the rotation and should be a dependable starter from the back end.
Past Their Prime:
1B-Tino Martinez (35)- Signed away from the Yankees, Martinez took awhile to adjust but was close to his aL production by the time
the season ended. Without the cozy right field corner of the House That Ruth built, he will continue to hit less homeruns and is
clearly on the downside of an impressive career. |
Supporting Cast:
CF-Jim Edmonds (32)- Though his 42-homerun '00 season won't happen again, Edmonds is still one of the game's premier center fielders,
with generous power and run production. The addition of Rolen slides him down a spot but the numbers should stay in the same ballpark.
OF/C-Eli Marrero (29)- Originally a catcher, Marrero continues to be a valuable contributer in many facets of the game. Not
only can he play nearly every position but has exceptional speed and last year displayed some impressive power. He won't ever hit for
a high average but can help everywhere else and should get a good deal of playing time in a utility role.
2B-Fernando Vina (33)- Teaming with Renteria to form one of the league's top double-play combos, Vina failed to find the groove
he was in a year earlier but still ended '02 with respectable if unimpressive numbers. Gritty and hardnosed, he finds a way to get on
base and is an effective baserunner despite average speed. Hitting in front of their dangerous 2-6 hitters, he will be in position to
increase his production.
SP-Woody Williams (36)- If Williams had come to the Cardinals earlier he'd be a HOF candidate. Since his trade to St
Louis in '01 he has made 28 starts and gone 16-5 along the way. Crafty and great at changing speeds, the southpaw can be death for
lefthanded hitters and should win close to 15 games this year.
Risky Business:
RF-J.D. Drew (27)- After posting monster numbers in an injury-filled '01 season, Drew was expected to take the next step and step into
the elite five-tool right fielders in the game. Instead, he was hampered by a nagging knee injury that limited him to 135 games while
contributing to dismal production across the board. Loaded with devastating potential, Drew has been on the DL each of his five
professional seasons and should be treated as a considerable risk in draft leagues. He is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.
SP-Cal Eldred (35)- After missing all of last season to injury, Eldred's on again/off again career seems to be on again.
Never an intimidating force, he relies on his breaking stuff and good control although his command isn't what it once was. If healthy,
he is a favorite to occupy the fourth spot in the rotation but is purely a temporary option and a return to respectful levels is not likely
at his age.
SP-Brett Tomko (29)- Like Matt Clement in Chicago after him, Tomko has displayed a wide range of talent while failing to meet
production expectations at every stop he has made. From Cincy to Seattle and lastly to San Diego, Tomko has worn out his welcome.
Last year looked to be the return to form but he was back to his old habits during a dismal second half dropoff. He will never be the
pitcher he was hyped to be but should be a decent third option for the Cards. |
