Cardinals Offseason Acquistions

An improbable run by the Saint Louis Cardinals netted them their franchise's 11th World Series win. The comeback that the Cardinals made was largely due to young players, such as Allen Craig and David Freese. The Cardinals have several voids that will need to be filled, but they are a team that looks as if it ha the players to stay relevant for the next several years.

Needs:
1st base- For years, Albert Pujols has provided middle of the order power and consistency that few other teams can match. Recent resignings by the Cardinals, as well as the lucrative new deal Pujols is seeking, make it unlikely that King Albert and Saint Louis will reach an agreement. With very limited position player talent in their farm system, the Cardinals will have to look elsewhere to fill the first base void. No one will be able to replace Pujols, but Prince would do a better job of it than anyone else. With suitors like Chicago, Anaheim, and Texas, though, Fielder will probably not end up playing in Busch next year. Unfortunately for Saint Louis, none of the other free agent 1st baseman provide a long term answer. Brad Hawpe is the youngest free agent option that could be on the Cardinals roster, but do not be surpirsed if John Mozeliak looks to make a trade.

Shortstop- Rafael Furcal proved to be a valuable midseason pickup for the Cardinals, but will likely not be returning for the 2012 season. His club option for the 2012 season is $12 million, which the Cardinals  would be silly to pick up. Minor League second baseman Kolten Wong is advancing quickly through the  system, but it would be a tall task for him to move to shortstop. Jose Reyes is a name that should be strongly considered for Saint Louis. Reyes wants to win, and wants money; Saint Louis can provide both. Adding Reyes to the mix would officially end any chance of resigning Pujols, but the combination of rookie sensation David Freese and Jose Reyes would be a scary duo on both sides of the ball. Jimmy Rollins is another very talented shortstop that could wind up in Saint Louis, though he is getting up in age. Much like the market for 1st baseman, there is a steep drop in talent after the top tier players.

Closer- Jason Motte did a better than expected job filling in as closer during the Cardinals 2011 World Series run. Motte posted a 2.25 ERA and had nine saves, but it would be in the best interest of the Cardinals to move Motte back to long relief, and look for a legitimate closer. Expect the Cardinals to bolster their bullpen with either Jonathan Papelbon, Jonathan Broxton, or Heath Bell. Each of these pitchers fits well within the financial capabilities of the Cardinals, and would be a large upgrade over Arthur Rhodes and Octavio Dotel, both of whom are free agents.