St. Louis Cardinals: Previewing Their Top Spring Training Roster Battles

The defending World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals have around 40 days left to celebrate their championship until pitchers and catchers report to spring training. With that being said, this is the perfect time to look at some roster battles that will be taking place this preseason.

With the departures of Albert Pujols—ouch—Nick Punto, Gerald Laird and relievers Octavio Dotel and Arthur Rhodes, some spots on the roster have opened up for competition.

The most gaping hole—Pujols—has already been filled with the signing of Carlos Beltran. Lance Berkman will likely slide over to first base, and Beltran will take take over in right field.

But there are other roster sports still up for grabs.

Here's a look at the top four position battles for the Cardinals this upcoming Spring Training.

Tony Cruz vs. Bryan Anderson: Backup Catcher

The catching duties belong to Yadier Molina. There is no question about it.

However, Gerald Laird has left via free agency, so now the St. Louis Cardinals are left without a backup catcher.

Tony Cruz and Bryan Anderson, a couple of minor league catchers, are expected to be battling for the spot. Cruz might be the better option because of his versatility—he can play first and third base if necessary—but Anderson might have the better bat.

Don't expect to see much of the winning candidate, however. Molina has played 415 games since 2009, which is the most of any catcher in baseball.

Backup Outfielder: Eric Komatsu vs. Adron Chambers

Whether or not the backup outfield spot is available is contingent on if outfielder Allen Craig starts the season on the disabled list. Craig had knee surgery in the offseason, but his return date is up in the air.

The Cardinals are hopeful that he could be ready to go by Opening Day, but they are also planning for the worst.

It is likely that he'll miss the first month or two of the season, which is good news for Eric Komatsu and Adron Chambers. They could be duking it out for Craig's spot on the roster.

Chambers was a September call-up last year and had three hits an eight at-bats. The spot could be his to lose since he technically has some experience.

7th Reliever: Kyle McClellan, Mitchell Boggs and Eduardo Sanchez

If the Cardinals keep seven pitchers in the bullpen like they have in the past, there are spots in the pitching staff that have yet to be filled.

From the looks of it, Marc Rzepczynski and J.C. Romero will be the lefties, Fernando Salas and Lance Lynn will likely be the righties and Jason Motte will be the closer in the St. Louis Cardinals bullpen. This is not set in stone, however. A lot can change from here until the start of the season.

But if this holds true, there will be two spots left and three pitchers battling for them: Kyle McClellan, Mitchell Boggs and Eduardo Sanchez.

A trade is always a possibility, especially since Boggs and Sanchez had some experience closing in 2011.

Backup Infielder: Pete Kozma vs. Matt Carpenter

With the departure of Nick Punto, the utility/middle infielder role is now vacant.

The Cardinals could look for outside help to fill the void or let a couple of youngsters battle it out. As of now, the two in-house candidates are likely Pete Kozma and Matt Carpenter.

Carpenter is more known for his glove, but Kozma has the making of a more well-rounded infielder. Each player will likely get a decent amount of playing time in spring training to make their case for the roster spot.

However, the Cardinals already have four middle infielders: Skip Schumaker, Rafael Furcal, Daniel Descalso and Tyler Greene.

There might be a roster spot available, but how much playing time they'll receive is another question.