After the latest rounds of cuts that came earlier this week, including centerfield prospect Colby Rasmus getting sent down the minors, along with outfielder Joe Mather, catcher Mark Johnson, and pitchers Clayton Mortensen, Jason Motte and Mike Parisi, it appears Tony La Russa has his position players set.
The big question on the minds of many fans is what’s going to happen to Juan Gonzalez. I personally don’t think they’re going to miss him. He’s been hurt for the last week and is slowing getting back, and that’s exactly what the Cardinals don’t need…another aging veteran who will suffer from nagging injuries. Isn’t that why they got rid of Jim Edmonds? Why take on those issues again?
Besides, the Cardinals have been impressed by Brian Barton who has hit well this spring and with Rasmus getting sent down it all but makes the final roster decisions for Tony LaRussa a no brainer.
The Cardinals will carry 12 pitchers, so I predict the 13 position players will be, Yadier Molina and Jason LaRue behind the plate. Albert Pujols at 1B, Adam Kennedy at 2B, Troy Glaus at 3B, Cesar Izturis at SS, with Aaron Miles and Brendan Ryan rounding out the infield. Chris Duncan will be in LF, with Rick Ankiel in CF, and Ryan Ludwick most likely the starting RF with Skip Schumaker and Brian Barton completing the outfield.
