Yes, our abundance of OFs could be used to great advantage for trades. I lhaven’t seen Rasmus but understand he’s the star of the future. However, we don’t know that for sure so, for now, I like the OF of Schumaker, Ankiel and Ludwig. Mather and Stavinhoha show signs they can play in the Bigs, too.

Obviously, we need relief help big-time, especially of the lefthanded variety. I’‘d also like to see second base and shortstop positions decided: once and for all, not switching combos every night.

Listen – in today’s game with starting pitchers only going 5-6 innings usually, the ‘pen is what decides who makes the playoffs and who wins the World Series, so do what you have to do to shore up that area. A John Smoltz-type attitude on the part of one of our starters would help, too, especially since we might have a surplus in that area in 2009.

D.J. is without a doubt a MBL level outfielder in 3 years.

i think its’ a bit premature to call them All MLB quality just yet. Daryl Jones is toolsy and easy for a scout to love…but remember before his breakout this year (which is in A ball mind you, albeit in the pitcher friendly Florida State League)Mr. Jones had put up roughly a .240/320/355 line in the low minors-not exactly sure fire major league quality…although if he proves if at double A next year i’m officially on the bandwagon (not that i don’t like d.j.-what’s not to like—i just like to see him sustain this success at a higher level before reserving a spot at InBev…i mean Busch Stadium for him). also though shane robinson may have a little more track record of success (collegiate baseball’s national player of the year at florida state) this is his first bout of sustained success in the upper minors…so for me he’s also a watch and see…esp. considering his size and the fact that he’s limited to lf…get the point of your post but let’s not count all of the eggs just yet

A lot depends on what the Cards do with their MI. Assuming Pujols and Wallace/Craig man the corners in the future. They’ll NEED to get a lead-off hitter that plays very good defense at either 2nd base or short stop, preferably 2nd. We all know how hard it is to find a good, young 2nd baseman who can lead-off. Right now, I’d say shop Bryan Anderson around the league for a future 2nd baseman who can lead off and some young starting pitching. My best guess at the future roster.

C: Yadier Molina
1B: Albert Pujols
2B: ?
SS: ?
3B: Brett Wallace
LF: Ryan Ludwick
CF: Colby Rasmus
RF: Rick Ankiel

Starting Pitching
RHP Adam Wainwright
RHP Chris Carpenter
LHP Jaime Garcia
?
?

Bullpen
RHP Chris Perez
RHP
RHP
RHP Josh Kinney
RHP Jason Motte
LHP Tyler Johnson
LHP

Batting Order:
2B
Colby Rasmus
Albert Pujols
Brett Wallace
Rick Ankiel
SS
Ryan Ludwick
Yadier Molina
PITCHER

Bench:
C: ?
UTIL: ?
2B/SS: Pete Kozma
OF: Joe Mather
OF: Brian Barton

With that being said, I believe that Mozaliek needs to spend a lot of time investing in MI and arms. If he could get a big bat for SS that is still young and plays really good defense and get a leadoff hitter for 2B, the Cards are in great shape offensively. A 1-2-3 of Wainwright, Carpenter, and Garcia is intimidating, but the 4-5 starters and ‘pen need some work.

If I’m not mistaken, Wellemeyer has arbitration this year and I believe next year and then he become a free agent. That future lineup was ‘10/’11-ish. I’m not quite sure when Wallace comes, but Allan Craig should be ready just in case. If Wellemeyer keeps pitching like he did before his injury, he’ll get a huge payday. As for Lohse, his payday may be coming pretty soon.