Cardinals New Middle-Infield
I didn't think it would be possible for the Cardinals to take a step back at second base after Tony Womack played there in 2004, but it looks like they are on their way to doing so with the addition of Roberto Alomar. This will be something like Alomar's 29th team he's played for in the Major Leagues. The Cardinals have gone from Edgar Renteria and Tony Womack to David Eckstein and Roberto Alomar.

Renteria is an outstanding offensive SS as well as a Gold Glove-caliber defender. Womack rebounded in 2004 to have a nice season. Eckstein hasn't played as well as he did in 2002 when he was an integral part of the Los Anafornia Angels' World Series championship. He has decent range at SS but has a below average arm. He is a decent SS offensively and defensively, but when he has to come in and replace Edgar Renteria its a different story. It is such a huge drop off that it may make a big difference in St. Louis' post-season chances in 2005. If Eckstein goes back to being a .280/.375/.415 type leadoff man that plays adequately in the field then the transition from Renteria to him won't seem so bad. Time will tell if that's what actually happens.