Thurston has played well so far, but I wonder how long he can keep it up. I just wish Brett Wallace was a year older. I think he is going to be a very good player in time, but unfortunately his time is next year at the earliest. I'm just not real sold on Freese. I'm also worried about how Glaus will come back from this surgery. Maybe because I've been burned by Rolen and his chronic shoulder.
I definately am pleased with how they are playing right now, they've gotten off to a great start and really should be 6-1 except for Motte blowing that save on opening day against the Pirates. I don't know if Motte is the answer at closer or not- he does have a good fastball, but I do have to wonder if Chris Perez is going to get another shot soon. He has looked good so far at Memphis, and looked good in spring training until he strained his forearm and that kind of allowed Motte to step up all by himself. I'm for whoever can get the job done- Motte, Perez, McClellan- whoever.
The only guy on the staff I'm concerned about is Wellemeyer. In fact, if I was the Cardinals GM, I would definately try to contact Pedro Martinez's agent to see if there's ANY interest at all. He pitched well in the WBC, and while I'm sure he is far from 1998-1999 Pedro, he could be capable starter for one year and I doubt he would be worse that Wellemeyer. Plus, it would put Wellemeyer back in the bullpen or AAA- both are places he is probably better suited for. That would also suit LaRussa since he probably doesn't want to give Mitchell Boggs and PJ Walters a shot if he can avoid it. I'm keeping my eye on them, but both of their first starts went well. We'll see if they continue to pitch well. It's too early to pull Wellemeyer out of the rotation, although I would not be surprised if it happens before long.
But yeah- I do think the Cardinals have a very good team. As I mentioned, they have a few holes here and there, but if they stay healthy, I think that they will do well. Now that said, they have their first roadtrip coming up, so that will be a test for them. Epsecially since they play at Wrigley on the next trip.