Swisher over Hoff

[SouthSideRyan]

Fair enough. Now use that worst case scenario reasoning and use the Cardinals as an example. I was also wondering what would be worst case about Lilly staying the same?

 

The Cardinals' is easy.

 

Pujols' elbow gives out.

 

Otherwise, they have a ton of depth, especially position players. They might be better off if a few guys get hurt and give some prospects a chance.

 

If Wainwright gets hurt(he had arm troubles in the minors and missed 10 starts last year with a finger problem), their rotation is Carpenter(< 25 IP the last 2 years combined), Lohse, Wellemeyer, Piniero, and I don't know, Brad Thompson? They have Wallace and his 200 professional at bats I guess, and Skip Schumaker is a decent 4th OF I guess, but they aren't going to be better off with injuries or even closer to that.

 

 

Is Braden Looper not still a starter for them (Honest question?) ZIPS seems to think they have a bunch of guys who could fill in with adequate numbers: Jaime Garcia, Jesse Todd, PJ Walters are all names it lists.

 

Looper's a free agent.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Okay, I definitely overrated the Cardinals' depth now that I look at it.

 

Point remains, their worst case scenario is pretty simple: Pujols' elbow gives out.

[The Other 15]

Yeah, I'm going to say they have a few of other things to worry about even if Pujols puts up another monster season. They benefited as much (or more) than anyone from breakout seasons last year. Until proven otherwise, I doubt that Ludwick is MVP good like he performed last year. Am I to understand they they wouldn't need another great season from Schumacker, Ankiel or Molina? I doubt Lohse finishes another season as sub 4 era. Losing Wainwright was a big hit to them last year, and it would be again. Of course, losing Pujols would be a sure end, but there was more to their success last year than just another monster season from Pooie.

[mul21]

Okay, I definitely overrated the Cardinals' depth now that I look at it.

 

Point remains, their worst case scenario is pretty simple: Pujols' elbow gives out.

 

#1: I'm fairly certain he got it cleaned up right after the season last year. But yeah, that would kill them.

 

#2: To the poster who mentioned Jaime Garcia; he had TJS and likely won't do much this year.

[NonProfitCow]

The only place the Cards really lack depth is the middle infield. No super standout starting pitchers, but a lot of quality guys. Todd, Mortensen, Boggs, Thompson, Walters and possibly Lynn if they are bullish with him. The outfield is stacked with Rasmus, Jones, Jay and Mather and 3b looks promising with Wallace, Freese and Craig.

[SouthSideRyan]

I'm not sure I agree with any of that besides 3B.