The Cardinals exceeded the expectations of most by winning 86 games but they fell short in the second half when their depth was not sufficient to overcome the loss of OF Rick Ankiel (lower abdominal strain) and C Yadier Molina (bruised left thigh) and the continued arm problems for RHP Chris Carpenter. They also struggled when RHP Adam Wainwright was out for 2 1/2 months with a sprained middle finer on his right hand.
ARRIVALS: LHP Charlie Manning (waiver claim from Nationals), SS Khalil Greene (trade with Padres), LHP Trever Miller (free agent from Rays), LHP Royce Ring (free agent from Braves). DEPARTURES: RHP Matt Clement (free agent, signed with Blue Jays), INF Felipe Lopez (free agent, signed with Diamondbacks), SS Cesar Izturis (free agent, signed with Orioles), INF Aaron Miles (non-tendered, signed with Cubs).
FREE AGENTS: OF Juan Encarnacion, RHP Jason Isringhausen, RHP Braden Looper, LHP Ron Villone, LHP Mark Mulder, RHP Russ Springer, LHP Randy Flores (non-tendered), LHP Tyler Johnson (non-tendered).
The Cardinals have some interest in Looper and Isringhausen.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: OF Rick Ankiel, OF Ryan Ludwick.
Ankiel is the most significant remaining case because he can be a free agent at the end of next season.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Chris Carpenter (sore right shoulder, right elbow surgery in November 2008) said in January that he was on schedule for spring training.
1B Albert Pujols (nerve transposition surgery on right elbow in October 2008) reported in January that he is fully healthy.
RHP Jason Isringhausen (flexor tendon surgery in September 2008) already was rehabbing before the season ended.
OF Rick Ankiel (abdominal surgery in September 2008) was recovering at season's end.
OF Joe Mather (left wrist surgery in September 2008) should be ready for spring training.
OF Chris Duncan (neck surgery in August 2008) should be ready for spring training.
LHP Randy Flores (left shoulder surgery in September 2008) should be ready for spring training.
LHP Jaime Garcia (Tommy John elbow surgery in September 2008) likely will miss all or nearly all of the 2009 season.
LHP Tyler Johnson (left shoulder surgery in May 2008) missed the rest of the 2008 season.
SS Khalil Greene (broken bone in his left hand in July 2008) passed a physical when he was acquired by the Cardinals in December.
