Cards Get Scary with Protection for Pujols

With the acquisition of Matt Holliday, the Cardinals become the team to beat in the NL central. Not only do the Cards add a reliable bat in left field, but they also have provided pitchers with a better reason to pitch to the ever so dangerous Albert Pujols. Even though Holliday is only hitting .288 on the year, he will still has the power threat that could damage pitchers who decide to give “The Machine” a free pass.

Though the Cardinals only have a 1.5 game lead in the Central, they now have an obvious advantage over their cross division rival Cubs. With the division being such a tight race between the Cards, Cubs, Astros, and Brewers, LaRussa and the Cards really felt they had to do something to solidify their lineup. With Rick Ankiel having a rough year at the plate, Holliday will allow LaRussa to use Ankiel strictly as a fourth outfielder while stud prospect Colby Rasmus gets the bulk of the playing time in center field.

Now with the Cards making their big move, it will be interesting to see who follows suit. With the other Halladay still on the market, it should be interesting to see if and who antes up for the 32 year old righty. It looks apparent that if the Jays do move him he will end up some where in the NL. Most experts are favoring the Phillies but do not count out the Dodgers. They have the prospects and could really lock up the NL with a lights out starter like Halladay.