Even though they lost RHP Matt Morris to San Francisco, the Cardinals' rotation is six deep with the signing of RHP Sidney Ponson, turned loose by Baltimore, and the expected emergence of RHP Anthony Reyes. With the additions on Dec. 23 of RF Juan Encarnacion and 2B Junior Spivey, the starting lineup appears relatively set: SS David Eckstein, CF Jim Edmonds, 1B Albert Pujols, 3B Scott Rolen, RF Encarcacion, LF Larry Bigbie, C Yadier Molina and Spivey or Hector Luna at 2B.
ARRIVALS
RHP Sidney Ponson (free agent from Baltimore), 2B Junior Spivey (free agent from Washington), RF Juan Encarnacion (free agent from Florida), Braden Looper (free agent from New York Mets), 2B Aaron Miles (traded from Colorado), OF Larry Bigbie (traded from Colorado), LHP Ricardo Rincon (free agent from Oakland), C Gary Bennett (free agent from Washington), SS Deivi Cruz (free agent from San Francisco), RHP Juan Mateo (Rule 5 draft from Chicago Cubs), RHP Dennis Tankersley (minor league free agent from Kansas City), 1B/OF Brian Daubach (minor league free agent from New York Mets), RHP John Riedling (minor league free agent from Florida), RHP Jeff Nelson (minor league free agent from Seattle).
DEPARTURES
3B Abraham Nunez (free agent, signed with Philadelphia), RHP Cal Eldred (retired), RF Larry Walker (retired), RHP Matt Morris (free agent, signed with San Francisco), LHP Ray King (traded to Colorado), OF-INF John Mabry (free agent, signed with Chicago Cubs), 2B Mark Grudzielanek (free agent, signed with Kansas City), C Einar Diaz (free agent, signed with Cleveland), OF Reggie Sanders (free agent, signed with Kansas City).
BIGGEST NEEDS
The Cardinals still would like to find one more left-hander for the bullpen.
FREE AGENTS
RHP Al Reyes, OF Larry Walker (announced retirement).
C Mike Mahoney, RHP Mike Lincoln and INFs Scott Seabol and Bo Hart all were not tendered contracts.
ARBITRATION ELIGIBLE
None.
IN LIMBO
No one now that RHP Jason Marquis has signed.
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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