2009 St. Louis Cardinals Predictions

Written February 24, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Cardinals Baseball The St. Louis Cardinals surprised a lot of teams last year with their play early, as they were right in the thick of things come the middle of June. Unfortunately, a slow finish landed them in 4th place in the NL Central at 86-75. The Cardinals have high expectations that in 2009 they will be able to once again contend in the NL Central and make it back to the postseason. Cardinal fans might be scratching their heads at how little this team has done this offseason, as the Cardinals have added few new pieces to the team from a year ago. One of the moves that this team did make was trading with the Padres for SS Khalil Greene. The Cardinals still have questions at 2B, as Adam Kennedy was released before spring training even started. To get a better idea at what the 2009 Cardinals will look like on opening day, here is a look at what the offense and pitching will look like. Bet Cardinals +3000 odds to win World Series at Sportsbook.com

Offense:

The way this team hit last year was a bit surprising, and it just goes to show how much better Albert Pujols can make a lineup. While helping the Cardinals hit for an NL best .281 average, Pujols was the 2008 NL MVP, as he hit .357 with 116 RBI and 37 HRs. Though Greene had a slow 2008 hitting just .213, there is a lot of hope that he can return to the form of 2007, where he hit 27 HRs and drove in 97 runs. It looks as though Skip Shumaker is going to try and make the switch from the outfield to 2B and it will be interesting to see if he can play good enough defense to keep from hurting this team defensively. It doesn’t look like 3B Troy Glaus is going to be ready for opening day, and that means David Freese will have to try and fill the void until Glaus is healthy. With Shumaker possibly moving to 2B, Chris Duncan, Ryan Ludwick, and Rick Ankiel will be the starting three in the outfield. Both Ludwick and Ankiel are coming off solid seasons, with Ludwick leading the way hitting .299 with 37 HR and 113 RBI. This team is going to hit, and with catcher Yadier Molina coming off his best offensive season this is a very scary lineup as long as Pujols stays healthy. Bet Cardinals +1200 odds to win NL Pennant at Sportsbook.com

Pitching:

Pitching is where the concerns start if you are wondering how this team is going to compete for the NL Central, but keep in mind that if Chris Carpenter can return anywhere near the form of 2005, when he won 21 games, this rotation could be much better than I am projecting. Braden Looper has departed for the Brewers and that means Carpenter would join double digit winners Kyle Lohse, Adam Wainwright, and Todd Wellemeyer from a season ago. Brad Thompson and Joel Pineiro will battle for the 5th and final spot in the rotation, with the early edge going to Pineiro. Gone are the days of closer Jason Isringhausen, and a new era will likely start in the hands of the young Chris Perez, who had 7 saves in 11 chances last season. The big set-up role will likely go to Ryan Franklin, with Kyle McClellan and Royce Ring sharing duties in the 6th and 7th innings. This unit has potential, but if the bullpen struggles like it did in 2008, the Cardinals will be watching the postseason at home for the 3rd straight season after winning it all in 2006. Bet Cardinals +500 odds to win NL Central at Sportsbook.com

Prediction: 2nd in NL Central

This team has a chance to win as long as Pujols is in the lineup, and I look for him to carry this team in 2009. Pitching could be a problem, but this team has a decent shot at making the post season as a wild card. I just don’t think they have the talent to keep up with the Cubs over the entire season.

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