NL Central is on ice – let’s look ahead
A month into the Major League Baseball season, the St. Louis Cardinals sent notice to the National League that they are indeed the team to beat.
The thrilling 10-9 come-from-behind win against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday ended a two-game losing streak and most likely ended any chance an NL Central team will come close to the Cardinals.
If any team finishes within 10 games of the Redbirds, I’ll be shocked.
Since I’m predicting that the NL Central race is over before it really gets started, let’s skip ahead to the July 15 trading deadline to see where the Cardinals could be looking to shore up an already solid team.
Closer: Like many a Cardinals fan, I hold my breath whenever Jason Isringhausen comes in to close a game with the opponent within a run or two. (Personally, I don’t think a save should be issued when a closer enters the game with a lead of three runs or more.)
The Cardinals should keep watch on how far Philadelphia falls from the torturous race in the NL East, because the Phillies might tire of paying Billy Wagner the big bucks. Now in his 13th season, Wagner still rockets the ball at 90-plus miles per hour and chills enemy bats instantly – when he’s not on the DL. Rumor had it that Reds’ reliever Danny Graves could be available once the Reds sink into oblivion. After Tuesday night’s performance, does anyone want him?
Forget what you’ll hear about Isringhausen’s rehab from his stomach muscle injury. The Cards would add a new closer if the right man comes along.
Left Field: John Mabry needs more at-bats, so the idea might be to platoon him and Reggie Sanders. Or, the Cardinals could go in the direction they did last year with Larry Walker and add a new everyday outfielder.
Kevin Mench is 27, tired of losing and reportedly wants out of the Texas Rangers organization. He has three home runs in 2005, but, more importantly, he is hitting .299. A move like this could mean Sanders moving on to yet another team, and the Cardinals would miss his levelheaded stewardship. Go with what ya got, Cardinals, and have faith in the left-field combo. It worked for Whitey Herzog in 1985 with Andy Van Slyke and Tito Landrum in right field.
Shortstop: I’m sorry, but I think David Eckstein is destined to break down. I also do not trust his arm, regardless of what many media folks have to say. His arm is weak, he bounces too many throws to first base and Albert Pujols has already saved him from at least five throwing errors. Should the gritty but diminutive Eckstein falter, the Cardinals could take a look at Pittsburgh shortstop Jeff Wilson. Yes, he’s hitting under .200 right now, but no, he won’t finish that way. The Bucs will probably fire manager Lloyd McClendon sometime this summer and then the annual fire sale will begin. Again, if Eckstein is down, look for the Cards to make a move.
Speaking of injuries, third baseman Scott Rolen did not play Tuesday because of stiffness in his upper back. This, like his knee ailments, must be monitored closely the remainder of the season.
Batting Coach: OK, I’m just kidding. Hal McRae was a true big-league hitter and he has shown the ability to help Major Leaguers improve hitting skills. However, some Redbirds fans are already blaming McRae, a former Royals manager, for the team’s inability to come up with clutch hits. Then again, that was before last Tuesday in Cincinnati.
The Cardinals must continue to play like they are challenged, and management must be thinking forward to what the team will look like following the trade deadline and then in the postseason.
