It’s time to take a look at the most crowded area for the Cardinals this year, the outfield…
Current Situation
In what may be the hardest “current situation” to diagnose, the outfield is a crowded area with considerable major league talent and at least one all-star looking to prove his 2008 wasn’t a fluke. The one given in the outfield is that all-star. Ryan Ludwick will hold down one-third of the outfield in 2009. The other two spots are still not completely set. I think Chris Duncan has definitely performed well enough this spring to earn himself some playing time when the team comes north, albeit more than likely in a platoon role. Rick Ankiel will probably get plenty of at-bats as well, despite a fairly quiet spring so far. As things stand right now, I think that is more than likely your starting outfield.
Ideal Situation
You can’t talk ideal with this team without mentioning the eminent arrival of Colby Rasmus. I think management expected to be looking at a Ludwick/Ankiel/Rasmus outfield at this point in Spring Training, giving the flexibility to possibly trade a healthy Duncan or non-converted Schumaker to shore up the team. It’s hard to look at the ideal outfield situation and not talk about the second base situation at hand. The failing conversion of Schumaker to second base leaves the Cardinals possibly looking at Schumaker/Ankiel/Ludwick with a mixture of Duncan and Rasmus sprinkled in. Again, ideally, I think you want Ryan Ludwick, Rick Ankiel and Colby Rasmus in the outfield this year.
Dream Situation
Ah, the dream outfield. When it comes to Rasmus, I’m sold, he’s a stud. It’s hard to not be in love with Rick Ankiel, unless you have a daughter at home or a wife that suddenly has taken interest in the sport. But throughout this preseason game we have played, we have dared to dream big. If I have a dream outfield in 2009, I’m starting with Manny Ramirez and all of his drama. Say what you want, give me Ramirez behind Pujols and watch the ball leave the yard at a pace that makes Barry Bonds realize he didn’t need juice, he needed a bat to protect him. Let me have Ichiro in right and leading off for the team. And I’ll keep Rick Ankiel and Colby Rasmus to platoon in center.
Who’s patrolling the green grass of Busch III in your head at night?
Tomorrow: The Rotation
Topics: 2009 Preview, Chris Duncan, Colby Rasmus, Ichiro, Manny Ramirez, outfield, Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick, Skip Schumaker, Spring Training, St. Louis Cardinals
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“failing conversion of Schumaker at second” ,,what are you talking about? You sound like this is mid-June and he has 10 errors already,,it’s SPRING TRAINING !! I think he has 11 games at second with 4 errors learning the position,,you got to give the guy a chance to learn it first then judge him,,and then who are you judging him against? wow,,
gibson45,
I am not jumping to judgment by any means. I do think it may be too early to tell. But, honestly, there’s an interview with Schumaker from last week where he admits to struggling and that his confidence is low. It’s starting to wear on him and that’s not good. Not to mention reports last week that Money Mo has be discussing trade opportunities to bring a second baseman to the club.
Signs are pointing to this isn’t working. I’m just being realistic.
I wouldn’t mind having an established 2nd baseman out there,but we are trying Schu there for now.I would give him every chance because of his lead-off ability on offense.As far as the interview,it sounds like he is a humble man,what do you want him to say,,”ah,this is a piece of cake ” ? I saw him today turn the double play on a ball hit to 3rd,not an easy turn,but he made it.If Mo wants to make a trade then I say go for it,,but who is out there and what do we do with Skip,trade him or put him in the outfield platoon situation,,either way,,we need that leadoff bat in the line-up whoever it may be
Ok, aside from the Skip situation, the outfield is around 2/3 filled. Ludwick is a definite threat along with Ankiel’s rocket for an arm. If Rasmus comes out to preform like we think he is, then our outfield will be an area of no return for hitters.