How do you spell CUT? R-A-S-M-U-S!

Do I think it was the right decision? Not at all.  But hey, it may work out for the best.  It's widely known that Tony La Russa doesn't like to play young, raw talent.  Heck, this is the man that only let Albert Pujols play in the Majors because of an injury on the team. 

Anyway, six players were cut from the Cards today, as Joe Mather, Colby Rasmus, Mike Parisi, Jason Motte, Mark Johnson, and Clayton Mortenson.  Mather, Motte and Parisi were sent to Triple-A Memphis and the other three (including Rasmus) are now at MiLB camp for the Cards.  Special thanks to Matthew Leach for breaking the story (click me). 

Well, Rasmus is now gonna start the season in the minors.  He'll finish up spring training in minors camp, but then he's off to another stop in the farm system.  He'll likely start at Memphis with the Redbirds, but I suppose Springfield (the Cardinals) would be an option.  Either way, I expect to see him in St. Louis by the end of this season.  And after that, he's a permanent fixture. 

Mather really has impressed lately, and I think we'll see him way sooner than Rasmus in Busch Stadium.  Both players really should get fans excited, but Mather will get the first shot.  Rasmus is just too young for TLR and management's liking.  As for some of the other players, everything I've heard about Jason Motte is that he's a fireballer with a lot of potential, but that he has a lot of improvement on mechanics and control.  I like potential, and I think he'll make a bullpen appearance or two this year.  He might even get to be a prominent reliever later on if the injury bug bites.

Anyway, the Cards won today, beating Atlanta 4-2.  Rick Ankiel hit a two-run double to seal the game.  Mather and Aaron Miles had the other RBI's.  While some are concerned about the Cards' offensive production, I'm not so concerned.  Once the everyday lineup plays EVERY DAY, I think the team will do fine. 

Check out these batting averages...

Brian Barton: .349
Skip Schumaker: .333
Pujols: .350
Troy Glaus: .333
Rick Ankiel: .362
Adam Kennedy: .351
Ryan Ludwick: .293
Brendan Ryan: .278

Now, as for a position battle...the infield's offensive production really separates a few players.

Obviously Albert stands alone...and always will...at first base.

At second, Miles vs Kennedy...well... .206 versus .351?  Heh.  Kennedy is back this year, I like his production and defense at second any day.

At third...Glaus is set in stone, and I think he'll really do well this year.  Just a hunch though.

At short, C. Izturis versus Ryan.  I'll take Ryan.  Izturis hasn't even been that good DEFENSIVELY this spring, and Brendan's .278 average owns Izturis's .139.

Behind the plate, Yadi has it.  He wouldn't lose this job unless Jason LaRue batted 1.000 in 200 at-bats.  And right now, he's doing better at the plate than LaRue.

I'm not gonna touch the outfield right now, though.  It's pretty jumbled up out there.  I'd guarantee you that Ankiel has a spot.  Duncan will get left field, although I like Barton there better.  And right field will be a platoon of Schumaker and Barton and Ludwick, I imagine.  It'll end up being a battle between Skip and Brian though in my opinion.

Anyway guys, that's about it for now. 
Taking another page from someone I look up to (Matthew Leach), I figure since I am ALWAYS listening to music when I'm on the PC, I can list what song I'm currently listening to.

"Until the End"  by Breaking Benjamin.  Saw them live with Hurt, Seether, and Three Days Grace back in February...best concert I've been to, ever, hands down.  Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin stole the show, and I really like this song.

-Brady