The Cardinals don't have to remake their rotation although they need one or two regular outfielders and at least one right-handed reliever and one left-handed reliever. Second base could be an issue, too, if they lose both Mark Grudzielanek and Abraham Nunez to free agency.

ARRIVALS
RHP Dennis Tankersley (minor league free agent from Kansas City).

DEPARTURES
3B Abraham Nunez (free agent, signed with Philadelphia), RHP Cal Eldred (retired), RF Larry Walker (retired).

BIGGEST NEEDS
They need to get younger in the outfield. For sure, a regular right fielder is required with the retirement of Larry Walker, and there is no guarantee that they can afford LF Reggie Sanders if the 37-year-old gets a good multiyear offer. The bullpen, the deepest in the league, needs to be retooled because of free agent and injury defections.

FREE AGENTS
RHP Julian Tavarez, RHP Matt Morris, RHP Al Reyes, C Einar Diaz, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, OFs Reggie Sanders, John Mabry and Larry Walker (announced retirement).

Morris probably is gone with the Cardinals picking up the $4 million option on the contract of RHP Jeff Suppan, who could have been a free agent.

ARBITRATION ELIGIBLE
RHP Jason Marquis is the only likely arbitration candidate. If the club fears he might get $5 million, it could trade him.

IN LIMBO
Marquis probably would bring the most value in the trading market. The Cardinals might not want to pay him $4-5 million as an arbitration-eligible player, and he might be the one player who could bring a regular outfielder in return.

MEDICAL WATCH
LHP Randy Flores (left elbow surgery) will be out six eight to weeks but should be ready for spring training. 3B Scott Rolen is rehabilitating after a second shoulder surgery and should be ready for spring training. RHP Al Reyes, who probably will be re-signed as a free agent even though he isn't able to pitch, might be back by August after offseason Tommy John surgery.

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