The Cardinals biggest priority going into the offseason was to obtain a closer.   I really liked that manager Tony LaRussa told the media that free agent closer should be the top priority this off-season. But, when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outbid the Cardinals for one of the top closers on the market, that didn’t settle too well with Cardinal Nation who expected the Cardinals to pony up to obtain the southpaw. Bringing back Jason Isringhausen shouldn’t be an option after the injuries and blown saves he piled up during 2008 (blew 7 out of 19 save opportunities). Ryan Franklin who filled in for Isringhausen and led the “closer by committee” did a serviceable job notching 17 saves. However, his natural role should be the set-up man for Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan. So, barring an unforeseen trade the Cardinals will go with a combination of hard throwing Jason Motte, who only had a handful of appearances in the majors last season and Ryan Franklin. Chris Perez who came into the spring as the favorite to be the closer has battled discomfort in his right shoulder.

Ryan Ludwick: While the Cardinals right fielder had a career year with 37 homeruns and 113 driven in, that didn’t stop the Cardinals from almost dealing him to the Colorado Rockies. If it wasn’t for the potential trade being leaked through the media, the trade might have gone through and we could be talking about Matt Holliday protecting Albert Pujols instead of Ludwick. Holliday gets shipped to Oakland instead and Ludwick will look to silence his critics who say he’s a one year wonder.

Skip Schumaker: No Cardinal has received more attention during Spring Training then Schumaker after it was announced that he’d be given a shot to play 2^nd base. I understand the Cardinals thinking that they already have a crowded outfield and in order to get his bat in the lineup they are asking him to play a position he hasn’t since college. This should be an interesting one to track… especially if he struggles early.

It’s still hard to believe they let Aaron Miles get away. Is he an everyday player? No. But you can’t tell me someone else you would have rather had at the plate last season (outside of Albert Pujols) with the game on the line. Making it even worse – he’s now a member of the Cubs.

Colby Rasmus: The hype will never stop with the Cardinals top prospect and therefore everyone wants to rush him to St. Louis to patrol

Center Field. The 22-year-old who has drawn comparisons to the Cleveland Indians Grady Sizemore seems to struggle at every level at the beginning of the season. The Cardinals have reportedly discussed using him in the number nine hole as LaRussa likes batting the pitcher eighth. I don’t think that’s such a good idea… if Chris Duncan is healthy let’s give him a shot in left with Rick Ankiel in center and Ludwick in right. Let Rasmus continue to develop at AAA and left him get his at bats. If Rasmus isn’t ready to play 6 days a week, there’s no reason for him to sit on the bench in St. Louis.

Khalil Greene: Can he regain his form from the 2007 season? During the ’07 campaign at pitcher friendly Petco Park, Greene had 27 hr’s while driving in 97. Last year he struggled and hit only .213. His solid defense will be an asset to the Cardinals ground ball pitching staff but his offense remains the big question mark. Only time will tell to see if he can regain his old form.

3^rd Base: It’s been an interesting position for the last couple of seasons. First it was the gold glover Scott Rolen who clashed with Tony LaRussa which led him to the trade sending him to Toronto in exchange for third basemen Troy Glaus. Glaus, the former World Series MVP with the Angels was welcomed to St. Louis and struggled during the early part of 2008. Glaus, who has been a streaky hitter over his career finished with 27 homeruns and 99 RBI’s. Rehabbing from shoulder surgery will likely keep the 6’5” third basemen out of LaRussa’s lineup for an undetermined amount of time.

His replacement? Well, David Freese who had a terrific season last year in AA after coming over from the Padres in the Jim Edmonds deal was thought to be the favorite. However, after an injury due to a car accident (which he apparently didn’t disclose to the Cardinals for a couple of days) didn’t win him any points. While his rehab was taking place, utility man Joe Mather who saw action last season in the outfield on a limited basis was thought to be the candidate to fill in for Glaus. Struggles at the plate (1-for-29 slump) have diminished those chances. So now, it looks as if David Freese will get the shot on opening day. I’m looking forward to seeing what this kid has to offer. At the time of the Edmonds deal it didn’t look like much – but this is his time to start showing he can be the Cardinals third basemen of the future.

Chris Carpenter: Many didn’t think Carpenter would be healthy this spring after offseason elbow surgery in November. I couldn’t believe the Cardinals were counting on him in the rotation and didn’t go after another FA pitcher or re-sign a solid starter like Braden Looper. Carpenter, who hasn’t been healthy in two years, will have to ease back into things. Anything the Cardinals get from him should be a bonus. If he can’t produce, the Cardinals might be forced to make a deal if they hope to contend in the central.

Tony LaRussa: While LaRussa has his critics no one can argue about the success the man has had and that he’s the best at getting the most out of players. This very well could be his last in St. Louis, especially if ownership doesn’t provide him with the player’s he wants.

There’s a lot of hope and optimism for the 2009 season and thankfully we’re just a week away from the start.