Now, I'm a huge Cardinal fan. So, I know more about this division than most people.

St. Louis Cardinals
The losses of Larry Walker (retiree) and Reggie Sanders (Royals, 2 yrs) will be felt by the Cardinal nation. Those two put up great numbers and were loved by everyone. However, now, the Cardinals have an outfielder that they can have for years, Larry Bigbie. Bigbie can play each outfield spot, but will more than likely be this year's starting left fielder. The Cards also signed Jaun Encarnacion to 3 years. Encan will put up similar numbers to Reggie, minus the steals. Julian Tavarez (Boston, 2 yrs), Ray King (Rockies, trade), Cal Eldred (retiree), Matt Morris (San Fran, 3 yrs) and Al Reyes (injury, FA) are out; Ricardo Rincon, Braden Looper, Juan Mateo, Sidney Ponson, Anthony Reyes, Adam Wainwright, Tyler Johnson and Carmen Cali are in. I know, a lot of names, but thats what makes Spring Training fun! The competition. Also, departed is Mark Grudzielanek (Royals, 1 yr). Replacing him is: Junior Spivey (most likely to start), Hector Luna, Aaron Miles and Devi Cruz. The Cardinals will be fine this year, despite popular belief. They've been going through this for the past few years, and still have managed to be good.

Houston Astros
The Astros are defending a National League title (and got sweep by a 'crused' team, like the Cardinals. Ironic?) and are regrouping. And yes folks, they do need to be regrouped. They lost Roger Clemens (till May 1, forever, who knows?) and have an overcrowed outfield with great prospects ready to play, a Bagwell problem, and some pitching problems. The Astros have a very good 1-2-3 (Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettite, Brandon Backe). After that, it's kinda not decieded. Wandy Rodriguez should be a lock (a VERY good left hander!), but after that, it's not clear. Don't get me wrong, a lot of teams don't have their rotation set going into Spring Training. Their bullpen is back and ready to get 1st place in bullpen ERA. The offense is still strong, but something is missing. Now, ever since last year, I have been saying this. The Astros need to trade for Aaron Harrang. He's a solid pitcher and could be a very good 3 or 4 pitcher in this rotation. Along with him, you could get a minor league prospect to use in the bullpen in years to come. Just a thought....

Chicago Cubs
The Cubs signed Jaque Jones and traded for Jaun Pierre to boost their outfield. Ok, good move. Thats right, not plural. Only one of those moves will come out smelling like a rose. The other plugged something up. The Cubs wanted Miguel Tejada, but wouldn't include Felix Pie in any deal. Their reasons: He's our best prospect. He's going to stay at AAA for 2 more years at the most. The Cubs have Adam Murton in left, who they will keep there. So left is not a possiblity. They want to lock Pierre up long term (CF is Pie's position by the way), so that's out. Jones will be a Cub for 2 years, no longer or shorter. Now, off Pie, the Cubs complain about not having any pitching. Well, why is that? They trade them all away. Sergio Mitre and the 2 young pitchers that were sent to Florida for Pierre, all will be very good pitchers (and Mitre showed that this year). So now, the Cubs have: Greg Maddux, Mark Prior (for how long?), Kerry Wood (for how long?), Carlos Zambrano, Glendon Rusch. Who will start after that? Who knows.

Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are looking to become a stronger team. They still have a problem: first base. If they can talk either Adam Dunn, Wily Mo Pena or Austin Kearns to move to first, they might be hurtin. They have an overcrowed outfield, and moving an outfielder to first would be a great idea. Get all of their outfielders playing at once. Then they can focus on trading for an actual first baseman (Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego sounds good). With the addition of Tony Womack to the top of the lineup, the Reds' offense should be rolling.

Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates added Sean Casey (Cincy, trade) to man first base, and have Brad Eldred play about twice a week. Then they added Jeromy Burnitz to play right field, giving some of their prospects rest so they can get ready to play everyday. Their outfield is, as well as Cincy, overcrowed. However, Cincy's outfielders are ready to play now. Pittsburgh's outfielders have a year or two to wait. The Pirates have the young talent they need, they just need to wait 2 more years before they start to contend.

Milwaukee Brewers
Coming off their first non-losing season (81-81) in more than a decade, the Brewers are starting to show they have confidence in their young prospects. They traded Lyle Overbay to Toronto so Prince Fielder could man first everyday. They added Korey Koskie (Toronto, trade) to help the young infeilders learn and grow. They retained Carlos Lee, Brady Clark and Geoff Jenkins to man the outfield. Rickie Weeks is ready for the big time, as is his double play partner, JJ Hardy. This team should be a fun one to watch.

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