St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals signed Juan Encarnacion and Larry Bigbie to replace Larry Walker and Reggie Sanders. I don’t think there will be too much of a downgrade there given the injury history of Sanders and Walker. Both replacements should be good for 15 HR/70 RBI with averages in the .280 area. Either could also swipe 10 or so bases.

Braden Looper moved from the closing role with the Mets to the set-up man with the Cards. He won’t close barring injury to Isringhausen, but he should definitely be drafted, as he is the clear-cut back-up. A bid of $4 or $5 is not unreasonable, but I expect $1 or $2 to be more likely. Just keep in mind that he did close for the past three seasons.

I like Sidney Ponson. He has said he is controlling his alcohol issues. That is the single most important factor in determining whether he is worth owning. As long as no news breaks that he has fallen off the wagon, I would be very comfortable adding him to my team for a $1 or $2. The move from the floundering Orioles to the winning Cardinals should also positively contribute to a good season.

Anthony Reyes is the top prospect and should be considered at $1 or $2 if he makes the team out of Spring Training. His strikeout/walk ratio is about 4:1. While that will likely decrease at the major league level, LaRussa and Duncan will use him judiciously. I do not expect superstar performance, but would not be surprised to see a Jason Marquis-esque performance (4.25/1.35/10W).