Catcher: Of the Cards catchers Mike Matheny may get the most time, but he’s not enough of an offensive player to buy. Bid: Reserve. Eli Marrero hits more and fields less, and given Tony La Russa’s propensity to make guys multi-positional he could see enough time in the OF to generate surprising value. Bid: $2. Mike DiFelice could see most of the backup catcher time, but doesn’t hit as much as Matheny. Bid: No.
First Base: Tino Martinez is coming off a fine year, but unless his woes in 1999 and 2000 were caused by languor, motivation won’t be enough. Bid: $13.
Second Base: Fernando Vina is just arriving in camp as I write this (March 4), and is coming off his career year, a pace he’s unlikely to maintain. Bid: $15 Miguel Cairo can have some value in La Russa’s scheme. Bid: $2.
Shortstop: Edgar Renteria was awful in the first half last year, but his second half revived belief that he’ll bust out soon. It also probably kills any chance that he’ll go cheaply. Bid: $20.
Third Base: Albert Pujols says he’s been working like crazy to avoid any sophomore slump. Still, such early achievement is followed by a little retrenchment. Bid: $27.
Left Field: Placido Polanco may or may not be the regular left fielder. He could see time spelling Pujols, Renteria and Vina, too. Bid: $10. So Taguchi arrives from Japan with a reputation as a teammate but not peer of Ichiro. Bid: $4. Kerry Robinson can steal some bases, though he’s not guaranteed a roster spot. Bid: Reserve. Al Martin is the wild card here. If he plays well in camp he could secure at least part of the left field job. But given recent history he could bust quickly. Bid: $3.
Center Field: Jim Edmonds is always nursing a hurt or two, which makes him a little risky. Bid: $24.
Right Field: This is J.D. Drew’s year. Really. Bid: $25.
Starters: Darryl Kile had surgery in November and won’t throw in a game until Mid-March. The bigger the injury discount the better. Bid: $10.
Matt Morris is clearly a very good pitcher when he’s healthy. While there are no signs that he’s unhealthy just now, his history has to be a concern. Bid: $18 (and that won’t get him).
Woody Williams profiles as someone who is going to slip, but he really hasn’t raised himself so high that he has a place to slip from. Bid: $10.
Bud Smith isn’t a sure thing to be great, but he has a great chance to be good. Bid: $10.
Rich Ankiel started yesterday (March 3) for the first time and walked the first two batters he faced, then threw 36 of the next 44 pitches for strikes. Bid: $10. Andy Benes is most likely a fill-in if others fail. Bid: Reserve. Garret Stephenson feels good right now, but hasn’t pitched in two years. Bid: Reserve.
Closer: Jason Isringhausen finished strong last year. Bid: $23.
Steve Kline will get saves in La Russa’s rotation. Bid: $6. So will Dave Veres, who could also be traded. Bid: $6.
Mike Timlin is usually a little helpful. Bid: $1. Gene Stechshulte could be a good waiver wire pickup, but isn’t worth bidding on.