What will it take for the Cardinals to become a playoff team again?

Question

What will it take for the Cardinals to become a playoff team again?

Answer 1

They resigned Kyle Lohse which is good, although I hope they don't regret that four-year contact. However, in today's market and the doubt about Carpenter, I think it's good they were aggressive there.



The Cardinals also need to get a better hitting shortstop and either play Aaron Miles at second base everyday or find a more consistent 2B (i.e. not Adam Kennedy). There probably will be a trade with Kennedy.



Also, StL led the majors in blown saves this season. There's no doubt that they have some young talent coming up in the bullpen with Chris Perez and Jason Motte (how fun is he to watch?) but they need to go out and a pursue another quality closer, I think, just to be safe. I also hope to see Josh Kinney back for a full, healthy season. He was integral to that 2006 World Championship team.



Kyle McClellan had an outstanding season and I'm excited to see what they'll do with him. There's been talk about turning him into a starter. He seems to have a great head on his shoulders as well.



You also have to shop Rick Ankiel I think, too. I love his story but if we can get a good starter for him, I think you strongly consider trading him. He may not have much upside.



There's definitely some work to be done. They need to go out and spend money and for a small market team (who draws like a big market), they have some money to spend so a lot of it is up to the front office. Having Tony La Russa and his coaching staff back is a big one, too.



I'm very optimistic they can get back to the playoffs next year. I mean, look at our record this year...it was better than the '06 season when we went all the way. Go Cards.

Answer 2

The injuries have to be limited. A full season of Wainwright combined with Chris Perez at closer or possibly a signing like K Rod, although way too expensive, would help. They had a ton of blown saves and that killed them. Without those blown saves, they finish with maybe 20+ more wins and end up winning 100 games.



The offense is there. Pujols and Glaus at the corners, the emergence of Ludwick, Yadi's bat is picking up. Second base continues to be a problem as Kennedy doesn't want to be around anymore. Center field will hopefully yield Colby Rasmus in the future, moving Ankiel to left.



Another issue is possibly picking up a REAL #2 or #3 starter. Carpenter - Wainwright - Lohse would be a killer 123. But Carpenter continues to be unhealthy and it's unclear where he's going to be in 6 months. Ben Sheets is out there, but what's his price tag? So is Sabathia, but that contract would be a monster. Jon Garland? He's a question mark.



The three biggest things is a solid, every day second baseman, a #2 or #3 starter than can give you 175 innings or more and a shut down closer.

Answer 3

Less injuries next year. Same as all other teams, one more starter and a little bit more protection for Albert. It is a better team than people think, imagine if they made a trade for CC Sabathia or Rich Harden.



It is up to other teams as well in that division. I doubt Ryan Demster will have the same year if he stay with Cubs. Harden always potentially get hurt, CC will be in another team (He may become the most expensive pitcher ever). The truth is Cards might be in playoff next year without doing anything.



Anyway, I will say Matt Holiday hitting behind Albert and CC in the starting rotation will be a terrific add on.

Answer 4

Not a lot. They were NO ONE'S choice going into the season and they did very well, being in the race until about the final month of the season. A pitcher here, a .290 hitter there. . .they're already pretty good.

Answer 5

For them to stop making foolish signings like Kyle Lohse for $40 million.

Answer 6

get off the injury bus.

this is a good team with the best hitter in baseball who can not stay healthy.

Answer 7

easy- pitching