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EVENTS AD PARTNERS
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1999 Recap: Despite another heroic season from Mark McGwire (65 HR, 145 RBI), the Cardinals' pitching woes, poor defense, and injuries to key players doomed St. Louis to finish 11 games under .500. Journeyman RHP Kent Bottenfield (18-7, 3.97 ERA) was the staff ace, which speaks volumes about the Cards' rotation last season. 1999 Highlight: Other than Big Mac's nightly power displays, Fernando Tatis became the first hitter in major league history to hit two grand slams in the same inning. Chan Ho Park's ERA never recovered. 1999 Lowlight: A depleted starting rotation went a combined 50-54 with a 4.79 ERA and only 69 quality starts. By comparison, the division-winning Astros' starters went 72-51 with a 3.84 ERA and 104 quality starts. Manager: Tony LaRussa (1,639-1,511 in 21 seasons) Coaches: Mike Easler (hitting), Dave Duncan (pitching), Dave McKay (first), Jose Oquendo (third base), Mark DeJohn (bullpen) Marty Mason (bench) Camp Site: Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. Reporting Dates: Pitchers & catchers on Feb. 17; full squads on Feb. 21. Additions 2B Fernando Vina, RHP Pat Hentgen, RHP Darryl Kile, RHP Andy Benes, LHP Paul Spoljaric, RHP Dave Veres, OF Dante Powell, OF Shawon Dunston, OF Brian McRae, 1B-OF Larry Sutton, C Mike Matheny Subtractions: RHP Juan Acevedo, RHP Lance Painter, RHP Manny Aybar, RHP Rick Croushore, RHP Jose Jimenez, RHP Ricky Bottalico, C Alberto Castillo, LHP Donovan Osborne, OF Darren Bragg, OF Willie McGee, LHP Darren Oliver. Spring Cleaning: The outfield needs to greatly increase its production. A healthy Ray Lankford and Eric Davis, plus a more comfortable J.D. Drew should be able to fill the bill. If not, the Cards could have Brian McRae, Shawon Dunston, Craig Paquette, and Dante Powell to fill in when needed. Fernando Vina brings not only a legitimate leadoff threat, but also a good glove at second base. With new acquisitions RHP Pat Hentgen, RHP Darryl Kile, and RHP Andy Benes joining Bottenfield in the starting rotation, the only question mark is who takes the fifth spot.
Key Acquisition: The Cardinals could not go another season wasting a good offensive club by giving the ball to likes of Larry Luebbers, Juan Acevedo, and Manny Aybar every fifth day. With three-fifths of the a starting rotation acquired in the offseason, the Redbirds hope to finally have the arms to chew up innings and bring a bulldog mentality to the ballpark day in and day out. Pivotal Player: Fernando Vina is a big key to the upcoming season, but the man on the spot is J.D. Drew. The Cardinals phenom struggled throughout his rookie season hitting .242-13-39 with numerous defensive lapses. Drew needs to break out both offensively and defensively for the Cards to truly be considered contenders. The Future is Now: Rick Ankiel has been the No. 1 pitching prospect in baseball two years running. This should be the year he establishes himself on the major league level. In 299 minor league innings, Ankiel fanned 416 batters and held opponents to a .193 average. It doesn't get any more dominant than that. The lefty features a plus fastball, a wicked curve and subtle cockiness. Opportunity Knocks: RHP Chad Hutchison has progressed a little faster than the Cardinals anticipated. The former Stanford quarterback looked strong in a couple Triple-A starts with an above-average fastball and a hard slider. With an undecided bullpen, Hutchinson could squeeze into the Cards' plans earlier than anyone expected. Prospects to Watch: LHP Rick Ankiel, 3B Chris Haas, RHP Luther Hackman, RHP Chad Hutchison, 2B Adam Kennedy, RHP Nick Stocks, SS Jason Woolf
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