Predictions '09: St. Louis Cardinals

Tony LaRussa is on the hunt to become the second place all-time winning-est manager. He’s 302 behind John McGraw. If he’s around for a 4 more years, that will most likely happen. Next year, he’ll add around 85-90 wins to that total. The Cardinals are coming off a 4th place finish in the central and are looking to get back in the playoffs. They have a solid rotation and a bunch of veterans as well as youngsters in their top 9. But it will be hard to overcome the free-spending Cubs of the North. LaRussa knows how to manage a club though, so maybe with a little luck (healthy pitchers) and a repeat MVP (Pujols) they might just do that.
Highlights: Pujols, Rick Ankiel, Troy Glaus, and Ryan Ludwick make one of the toughest 3-6 line-up in the league. Not to mention Yadier Molna and Skip Schumaker’s .304 and .302 averages, respectively. Hitting is one thing that the Cards have going for them. Look forward to Albert to keep doing his thing.

Question Mark: The Cardinals picked up shortstop Khalil Greene in hopes that he’ll return to his 2007 form in which he slugged 27 hrs and climbed to emerging star status. Last season, he dropped down the elevator shaft to the underground parking level. St. Louis is hoping he can get at least 20 homers while lifting his average to anything respectable (at least over .250 please).

Key to Success: Adam Wainwright and Kyle Lohse head the rotation. They’ve proven that they can win a few games. Now lets hope Chris Carpenter can get back to Cy Young form, or at least stay healthy. Because behind these three are two very inexperienced righties. If the top three can stay healthy and put up some quality starts, look forward to a nice little division rivalry between the Bears and Birds.

Prediction: 2nd Place