2005 Philadelphia Phillies Preview

St. Louis Cardinals Preview

ABOUT BASEBALL breaks down & previews the 2005 St. Louis Cardinals.

2004 Record: 105-57, 1st place in NL Central
'04 Playoffs: swept by Boston in World Series
Home Ballpark: Busch Stadium
Manager: Tony La Russa

2005 Prediction: 98-64, 1st place in NL Central

ADDITIONS:
P Mark Mulder
SS David Eckstein
2B Mark Grudzielanek
C Einar Diaz
Reliever Mike Myers

SUBTRACTIONS: SS Edgar Renteria
2B Tony Womack
C Mike Matheny
P Woody Williams
P Danny Haren
P Kiki Calero

PROJECTED LINEUP: David Eckstein (SS), Larry Walker (RF), Albert Pujols (1B), Scott Rolen (3B), Jim Edmonds (CF), Reggie Sanders (LF), Mark Grudzielanek (2B), Yadier Molina (C)

PROJECTED ROTATION: Mark Mulder (LHP), Chris Carpenter (RHP), Jason Marquis (RHP), Jeff Suppan (RHP), Matt Morris (RHP)

PROJECTED CLOSER: Jason Isringhausen (RHP)

OUTLOOK: The Cards had the best record in baseball in '04, but lacked a true ace to lead their pitching staff.

They came into the postseason with virtually five no. 3 starters, and didn't stand a chance against the Pedros & Schillings of thw World in losing the Fall Classic. So, GM Walt Jocketty brought in lefty ace Mark Mulder. This team is ready for another title run, and has a great shot to be the NL champs again.