Cards since the World Series

I read a few blogs and a few columnists who follow and report on the Cardinals. Finally, I needed to say my piece (or peace...whichever), but didn't feel like posting a retort on their forums, so you get my ramblings here.

Today is February 25, 2009. Just less than 2 and a half years ago the Cardinals hoisted the World Series trophy above their heads. Since then, a total of two teams have done the same - just two! But, when reading the local views on the Cardinals you would think that it has been since 1982, or 1967 since we last won anything. Everything is so negative. Now, I know that I am extra optimistic in most of my views. So, this may seem like a fantasy world to some that I live in, but it is not that bad. What I see is a team that is spending their money wisely and making difficult decisions along the way. As someone who manages a business budget, I may be closer to the realities of opportunity costs than others, but you can't just spend and spend and spend. Just look at our economy for a dramatic case-in-point. Many just spent on whatever they wanted, now people are upside down in mortgages, maxxed out on credit cards and wondering where this robust economy went...

So, where am I headed with all of this? Let's just take a look at who the Cards have parted ways with since winning it all in October 2006. First, we will skim through the replaceable players. Larry Bigbie, Jose Vizcaino, Hector Luna, Gary Bennett, Ricardo Rincon, Miguel Cairo and Kip Wells. I bet some of you forgot we even had some of these guys on the roster.

Next let's look at the guys who had bigger names, but are still replacable. Randy Flores, Jason Marquis, Sidney Ponson, Ronnie Belliard, So Taguchi, Preston Wilson and Adam Kennedy. Now ask yourself, do you wish we had any of these guys over our current roster players? Most likely your answer is no.

Now let's step up to the guys who are worth debating. Starting with pitchers:

Isringhausen - I think he did enough damage last year

Looper - he'll give you 6 innings a game and allow 3-4 runs each time, serviceable, but replacable, right?

Mulder - I think we gave him enough time to recouperate, it is time for him to give the Cardinals a deal. We paid him well to rehab.

Reyes - he was never going to thrive under the Cardinals

Suppan - a better than average starter who should have stayed a Cardinal. But he has proven that he is not a "top 2" starter in MIL.

Weaver - I think he sold his sole to the devil in 2006, never been the same since the WS.

Eckstein - a fan-favorite indeed, but he was injured most of last year and then traded at the deadline. We let him go at the right time.

Miles - a great super-sub. This guy would have fit well into the Cards plans. Hate to see him in Cubby blue this season.

Rolen - we got Glaus for him, I would say that was a nice upgrade.

Spezio - no hope here, he did it all to himself.

Edmonds - We walked away at the right time. Which of our outfielders would you like to see sit for an aging Edmonds? OK, maybe Duncan...

Encarnacion - unfortunate injury ended his career

Springer - yes, along with Miles, he should be here. A seemingly great fit for the 2009 Redbirds. He was a stud for us the last 2 years and wanted to be here. Plus his leadership could help all of our young relievers.

So, as you can see, we are no worse than we were in 2006. And that year was good enough to win it all. Yes, we did back into the playoffs, but that does not matter. You just play yourself into the playoffs, then see where the cards fall for the 3 series.

I, for one, am anxious for the 2009 team. We have talented young players who have proven big league ability and a new crop of young players who are highly touted by the experts. Let's lay off the ownership for now, if glaring gaps appear, I believe they will find the right available player to fill the gap...and be more than our next Hector Luna.