St. Louis Cardinals: Early Analysis of the Runnin' Redbirds

As I sat back two days ago and watched as the St. Louis Cardinals crushed the San Francisco Giants, a question was posed to me after I got home from the game. In fact, several questions were posed to me, actually. So instead of answering just one of the questions, I feel like answering them all.

What factors have led to the Cardinals' success so far this season?

New year. New start. That's how every single member of St. Louis felt after coming up short last season. During spring training, St. Louis heard all the critics saying that they would be nothing more than a stepping stone for a fall slugfest between Chicago and Milwaukee. They took offense to that statement.

The Cards were motivated by the media and knew their rivalry with Chicago would be hotter if the Central Division title were at stake.

By adding a few minor leaguers, and improving the bullpen from last year's dismal performers, the Cardinals had to fill up slots left open by the departure of several All-Stars.

Could anyone pick up the slack left by David Eckstein and Jim Edmonds? Rick Ankiel and Cesar Izturis have been showing that the time to overlook them is officially over.

These unknowns are among the biggest reasons why the Cardinals are dominating the National League. But they are not the only reason why St. Louis will be an immediate threat in the NL Central.

Albert Pujols has shown tenacity and toughness this season. Pujols has been batting .356 this season and has gone yard four times so far this season. But he has had help in his quest to bring the Cardinals back to greatness. 

Ryan Ludwick is batting .395 and has an .860 slugging percentage. If Pujols isn't able to get it done, expect Ludwick and Ankiel to get things done for him. And if they can't do it, pitcher Brad Thompson is batting .333 so far this season. 

So to recap: media motivation, minor leaguers, surprise hitting and toughness are the factors that are bringing success to the 2006 World Champions. That...and LaRussa letting his team be themselves.

Has the bullpen been positive this season?

That's a trick question, right? Compared to last season, they're doing great.

With Todd Wellemeyer leading the charge with 26 strikeouts, the Cardinals' pitching rotation has been phenomenal in leading them to their 12-6 start.

Throw in Kyle Lohse, Adam Wainwright, and Braden Looper, and the Cards are looking to step up big time this season.

While Lohse and Wellemeyer have found success, several members of the bullpen have yet to gain a notch in the win column.

Russ Springer has the most to make up with a 13.50 ERA, five hits, three runs, and a homer...all in two innings of work! If Springer can find his groove, expect him to see more action than usual. 

Otherwise, the tweaks Tony LaRussa made to his pitching rotation have worked out enough to get the Cardinals the second-best record in the majors.

Has Kyle Lohse's performance been a positive or negative?

Four games, two wins, 10 strikeouts and a 1.48 ERA make Lohse just as intimidating as Wellemeyer. Lohse has had a pretty up-and-down career, but his most "down" season was during his second stint with the Minnesota Twins, where he posted a 7.07 ERA and gave up 80 hits and 50 runs in only 22 games.

But as history has shown, timing is everything. Through 24 innings, he has only given up 20 hits with four runs and has sent 10 batters to the showers.

It is safe to say Lohse has found his groove. Having him in the rotation takes some much-needed slack off Wainwright to perform extensively.

So what's the early status on the Cardinals?

With eight batters hitting over .300, the Cardinals are looking pretty good to start off the season. The young and restless club from St. Louis will continue to find success any way they can.

Considering they opened up the season by winning two of three from the defending NL Champion Colorado Rockies, the Cardinals have established themselves as more than just a stepping stone for the rest of the National League.

If they continue this domination past the summer, expect them to not only be NL Central Champs when the smoke clears, but also regain the domination that they had when they won the World Series two years ago.

With the Cubs and Brewers hot on their tails, St. Louis has the competition breathing down their necks.

Early Season Prognosis: The Cardinals will still be in first place by the time the All-Star Break rolls around. Great pitching and everyone in the lineup stepping up will be keys for St. Louis to keep things going this year.