Cards Need Upgrades to Stay in NL Central Race

(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

If Chris Carpenter had not swung so hard at that pitch earlier this year.

If Ryan Ludwick had not pulled a hammy running down a ball in the gap in Pittsburgh.

If Rick Ankiel had not run into the wall.

If Khahil Greene was even a shadow of his former self.

The Cardinals—not the Dodgers—would be the talk of baseball.

With a quarter of the 2009 baseball season done, the Cardinals sit right where they want to be. In the thick of the National League Central race.

Given the numerous injuries to Troy Glaus, Chris Carpenter, Rick Ankiel, and Ryan Ludwick, the Cardinals should be happy where they are right now. The Cards have fought through all the adversity because:

1. Albert Pujols is the best player in baseball, everything is easier when Albert is on your team.

2. Tony La Russa is the best crisis manager in the game, nobody does a better job finding solutions on the fly.

3. The improved organizational depth—which was years in the making—helped stave off a team collapse. Chris Perez, Mitchell Boggs, Shane Robinson, Tyler Greene, and Nick Stavinoha stepped up from Memphis and made a positive difference.

4. The investment in veteran starting pitching has paid off. The rotation was strong during the first half and lights out this week.

The solid first quarter is something to build on and it is something the Cards must build on by making some changes during the second quarter.

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