The Cardinals have used Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick and Colby Rasmus in the cleanup spot over the past week, as they continue searching for ways to generate more offense.
No. 3 hitter Albert Pujols is as dangerous as ever, but the power numbers for key hitters Ankiel, Ludwick and catcher Yadier Molina are down relative to last year.
A lot of attention has been focused on the St. Louis infield — particularly shortstop and third base — but team officials may consider adding a bat in the outfield, too. Houston shortstop Miguel Tejada would be intriguing, but the Cardinals don't view him as a realistic option right now because Astros owner Drayton McLane is apparently reluctant to deal within the division.
In the meantime, the Cardinals can hope to continue winning games like they did on Saturday in Cleveland: Pujols homered twice, starter Brad Thompson pitched six scoreless innings and Ryan Franklin recorded his 15th save.
Fox Sports
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