Where They Stand: 2010 St. Louis Cardinals

This is the first part in what may be a full look at all 30 MLB teams and their payroll commitments heading into the offseason.

I will start with the St. Louis Cardinals, as I have been curious as to Albert Pujols' contract situation.


SP
Chris Carpenter - $14,500,000
Adam Wainwright - $4,838,000
Kyle Lohse - $9,188,000
Brad Thompson - Approx. $900,000
Mitchell Boggs - Approx. $400,000

Bullpen
Ryan Franklin - $3,250,000
Dennys Reyes - $2,000,000
Trevor Miller - $2,000,000
Kyle McClellan - Approx. $450,000
Josh Kinney - Approx. $650,000
Blake Hawksworth - Approx. $400,000
Jason Motte - Approx. $400,000

The Cardinals could use at least 1 starter for next season, but with a great top end, their need is a middle innings type like Jon Garland. It wouldn't be a bad idea to bring in 2 starters to have Thompson in the bullpen where is probably best suited.


C
Yadier Molina - $4,313,000
1B
Albert Pujols - $16,000,000
2B
Brendan Ryan - Approx. $450,000
3B
David Freese - Approx. $400,000
SS
Julio Lugo - Approx. $500,000
LF
Skip Shumaker - Approx. $800,000
CF
Colby Rasmus - Approx. $400,000
RF
Ryan Ludwick - Approx. $4,750,000

Bench
Joe Thurston - Approx. $500,000
Brian Barden - Approx. $450,000
Tyler Greene - Approx. $400,000
Joe Mather - Approx. $400,000

The Cardinals will need a back-up catcher definately. It depends a lot on what they want to do with Shumaker, as he is probably most beneficial at 2B if they can bring in a big hitting OF.

Their 2009 payroll was about $100 Million and they have about $70 Million commited allready for 2010 so they have the funds to go out and get their needs.

In summary, their needs (In order of their percieved importance):
Left-Fielder ($10-$15 Million)
Number 4 Starter ($5-$10 Million)
Third Baseman ($5 Million)
Number 5 Starter (Guy Coming Off Injuries)
Relief Help (Minor League Signings)