Friday News and Notes

First off, today's lineup for the game against the Dodgers:

1. Skip Schumaker, LF
2. Colby Rasmus, CF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Rick Ankiel, RF
5. Juan Gonzalez, DH
6. Adam Kennedy, 2B
7. Yadier Molina, C
8. Cesar Izturis, SS
9. D’Angelo Jimenez, 3B

Starting pitcher: RHP Joel Pineiro. Followed by (an abbreviated list): RHP Kyle McClellan; RHP Chris Perez; RHP Cliff Politte.

Schumaker is making an impact in the leadoff slot, apparently.  Right now, he may be our best option, since Rasmus will likely start down in Memphis.  It'll be interesting to see how he does sitting right in front of Pujols today, though.  That's a fairly solid lineup there, or more accurately perhaps, a lineup that is close to something we'd see in the regular season.

Looks like the outfield situation could be getting even more crowded.   So, let's see.  We have Duncan, Ankiel, Gonzalez, Rasmus, Schumaker, Mather, Marti.  Seems like I'm forgetting someone, but still, that's seven players for three starting slots and maybe one or two bench spots.  Rasmus goes down, but still there are six.

Wait, forgot about Barton.  That's the other and the real kicker in the whole deal, what with his Rule V status.  I still think making some trade with Cleveland to get his rights would be the best thing, so he could get a few more ABs down in Memphis.  Figure you have "starters" of Duncan/Ankiel/Schumaker and carry Gonzalez and Mather on the bench.  That's just a guess, though.

Here's probably all you need to know about Pujols's elbow.  There's some thought that he can go until the end of July before he jeopardizes next season.  That'll give the Cards plenty of time to see how their season is going and decide whether it is prudent to go ahead and shut him down.

And Sidney Ponson threw for scouts at the Cardinals' complex.  The results were more impressive than many would think.  I'm not sure that the Cards will bite, but it's interesting to see him doing better.


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