Around The Horn 2010: Part 2 - First Base | 
Welcome to Part 2 of 2010’s “Around the horn”. Over the course of this week we will examine each position for the Cardinals, taking a look at the strengths, the weaknesses, the starters, the bench and any key minor league players at that position.
Today, we will take a look at the first basemen of the organization.
The Starter: Albert Pujols
The first base discussion basically begins and ends with one player, Albert Pujols. “El Hombre” has put up back-to-back MVP seasons and shows no signs of slowing down. Throughout his career, he has not only been one of the most prolific hitters of all time, he has also been consistently on the field, despite minor ailments. Fighting through a sore elbow that had every Cardinal fan holding his or her breath, Albert continued to take the field, having played nine seasons and never less than 143 games. How important is Albert Pujols to the St. Louis Cardinals, one look at the depth chart will reveal that there is no one listed behind him at first base. Tony LaRussa may be known for shaking up his lineup at any given time, but the easy part is already done, Albert Pujols will hit third and play first base.
The Bench: Yadi Molina and Felipe Lopez
Because of one of the games best players of all time being in place as the starter at a position, it makes it hard to determine just who 
on the bench will be backing him up. Felipe Lopez has played a few games in his career at first and one of the main reasons he was brought aboard was to provide depth as a “super utility” man. Flip will see playing time at first, second, short, third, left and right field. Yadi Molina has been working out for the last few years to be a back up option at first. Molina has proven to be more than adequate at first base and provides the breather that Albert requires from time to time. All in all, if we start discussing the backup first base options with any level of importance, the Cardinals and their 2010 season is in grave jeopardy.
Baby Bird: Mark Hamilton
While there is not a ton of depth at first base, Mark Hamilton has emerged as a young player worth discussing as a viable option as a left handed bat off the bench and backup to Albert at first. Hamilton split time between AA and AAA last year, posting averages at both leagues over the .300 mark. Posting 14 homeruns and 47 RBI, Hamilton proved that his bat was as solid as the scouts thought it would be years ago. If Hamilton can continue to hit with consistency, the Cardinals could pick up a bat and a decent glove to spell Albert from time to time.
Join us tomorrow as we take a look at second base, Skip Schumaker, and the group of options forming behind him.
Topics: 2010 Season Preview, Albert Pujols, Around the Horn, Baby Bird, Base Options, bench, Cardinal Fan, Career, Depth Chart, Felipe Lopez, Games, Mark Hamilton, Minor Ailments, Minor League Players, Molina, MVP, Organization, Playing Time, Signs, Sore Elbow, St. Louis Cardinals, Starters, Tony LaRussa, Utility Man, Yadi Molina
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I believe Allen Craig should get some mention, although the organization realizes that the 1B/LF prospect is blocked at BOTH of his positions. They may be trying him at 3B, but he is a viable option at 1B should Albert go down for a cpl weeks.
Richard, thanks for the comment and welcome to the Cardinal section of BaseballDigest.com!
I agree, Allen Craig could see some playing time should Albert be out for a period of time. Craig’s name will come up as we discuss third base and the outfield.
I believe the reasons we would not see Allen at first this season are three main factors. First, the Cardinals will be reluctant to “start his clock” until they are confident they have a home for him. I believe the Cardinals see him as a solution mainly in the outfield. And finally, I think the Cardinals would prefer him to rack up another large season at AAA to give them some leverage in a trade, whether for Craig himself or one of the established outfielders if he forces their hand.
[...] A look at the Cardinals’ first base depth behind Albert Pujols. Also, a look at the team’s second base [...]