Can the Cardinals Catch A Break?

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I know the team home team is struggling to score runs, they’re doing less offensively than a Quaker minister, but is it because of a lack of talent or are they not yet healthy?  This is a team that averaged almost 6 runs a game in April before injuries took outfielders Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel out of the line up.  Since their return they’ve both been lousy.  Maybe, just maybe, they’re not all that healthy yet.

When you look at what Iron Man (also known as Albert Pujols) has done, you know this Cardinal line up can be a good one if ANYBODY ELSE hits at all.  The Redbirds have played 57 games (heading into Monday’s contest with the Rockies) and Albert has 51 RBI’s.  He’s belted 18 homeruns and is the only run producer on the team.   It’s sad to watch Pujols leading his gang into a fight, when he’s the only one carrying a 2 by four.

So there are many wondering when the Cards’ general manager John Mozeliak will make a trade.  Personally, I think they should do it today right after the game and pick up Colorado’s Garrett Atkins.  He’s a power hitting third baseman that that is stinking it up right now and could be had on the cheap.  I know Atkins is a Coors Field guy and you have to wonder if the altitude or the supplements are an issue, but he’s a plus defender could fill in behind Pujols and Ludwick quite nicely. One disclaimer here, his career numbers at Busch Stadium are very bad.

Short of that… maybe the good guys just need to get a break.  Maybe Ludwick will get healthy and hit like he did last year, and maybe centerfielder Colby Rasmus will continue to develop into a genuine star, and maybe third baseman Troy Glaus will come back from his injury soon and all will be right with the world.  A  lot of good ‘iffy’ things could happen and make this Cardinal team a good Cardinal team.  If not, they better go get Atkins or maybe Miguel Tejada from the Astros, or Fatima, Missouri’s Joe Crede from the Twins.  One way or the other the Cardinals need a break.

Do Good!