With Carlos Beltran in offence, St. Louis Cardinals hope to be stronger – MLB News
The St. Louis Cardinals’ first baseman Lance Berkman commented on Tuesday, February 7, that while it is difficult to replace Albert Pujols, the club still has better pitching and a strong offence to compensate for that.
Albert Pujols retained what had always seemed an irreplaceable position in the team. The affiliation of the first baseman which lasted for almost a decade brought countless moments of glory for the club and for the player himself as well.
However, as he signed a nine-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels last month, the Cardinals are deliberating on how best to deal with it. For now, from the face of it, the club has mounted a less vulnerable, stronger bullpen and equally robust offence.
"It's hard to replace a guy like that, but I still like our club," said Pujols' successor at first base, Lance Berkman. "I think we'll have a better pitching staff than we did last year. I think our bullpen is more settled than it was last year. And when
you add a guy like Carlos Beltran, our offense is really going to be good."
Despite the addition of a high-powered and forceful player like Carlos Beltran, the difference that the departure of Albert Pujols has made will continue to impact the team for a while. This is what Berkman alludes to as well.
“I know Pujols is a hole maybe no one can fill,” said Beltran. “But with myself, Berkman and Holliday, there are three guys there that can produce in the middle of the order.”
The available players who can significantly alter the outlook of the offence are the likes of Berkman, Beltran, David Freese and Matt Holliday. It goes without saying that each player in the side will have a responsibility on his shoulders to carry on with
ever more strength.
Once the new season kicks off, the St. Louis Cardinals, which remain the 2011 World Series Champions, shall have the title to defend. Although Pujols may no longer be a part of the team, his legacy will serve as strong impetus to keep the team up despite
the numerous challenges that await them during the 2012 Major League Baseball regular season.
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