The Redbirds migrate south

With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in less than a month, the Cardinals roster is beginning to take shape after months of trades and free agent signings.

Cardinals pitchers Woody Williams, Steve Kline and Jason Simontacchi, along with former Cardinal Danny Cox and announcer Wayne Hagin were in Cape Girardeau on Friday night along with nearly 750 Cardinal fans at the Osage Community Centre talking about team moves and other topics as part of the annual Cardinals Caravan.

After finishing in third place in the National League Central last season, St. Louis will have three new regulars in the field, at least two new starting pitchers and several new faces in the bullpen.

Williams, who had an 18-9 record last season, said he thought the team made the moves necessary to make the team better.

"Hopefully they filled the holes we had with the right guys," he said.

While the Cardinals have been busy overhauling a pitching staff which struggled at times last season, the division-rival Astros have added former Yankee stars Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens.

"I think we're OK," Kline said. "They picked up a big starter, and really the Cubs haven't made any moves at all. We're better in the field and better hitters than the Cubs and Astros."

With the Astros' additions, along with the already strong staff in Chicago, many people in baseball have been quick to place the Cardinals third in the Central.

Williams said he's more than happy to let people around baseball discount the Cardinals' chances.

"It's nice that they think that, but the bottom line is that you all have to play 162 games," he said.

The influx of pitching into St. Louis may not be over yet. Former Braves pitcher Greg Maddux is rumored to be looking into coming to the Cardinals, but the right-hander is also considering a possible return to the Cubs, where he started his career.

Williams said he did not expect the cost-conscious Cardinals to sign the high-priced free agent.

"If this is my team, I don't just open my pockets," he said. "The bottom line is the guys you have have to produce. I think we have a real good team."

Added Kline, "I just worry about who's here right now."

While the Cardinals in attendance all seemed upbeat about the team's new additions, not everyone was optimistic about the new-look Cardinals.

"I don't think they've done enough in the offseason to help them improve," said Cardinals fan Ryan Graham, a student at Southeast Missouri State University. "I don't think they have a decent left-handed starter. I don't even think we have a left-handed starter. Still, I think they'll be competitive."

Sound bites

Williams on the Cubs: "I had no idea what kind of rivalry it was until I got over here and put on this uniform."

Williams on Houston's chances: "I know what they expect. They expect to make the championship. But they fail to realize they got rid of one of the best closers in baseball."

Williams on the role of Kerry Robinson, a former star at Southeast: "I'd like to get to see him get the opportunity to play left field. He has a dimension the other players don't have, and that's speed."

Cox on Pete Rose and the Hall of Fame: "My feelings are, as a player, I think what he accomplished on the ballfield ... he deserves to be in the hall of fame."

Cox on Rose's punishment for gambling: "His punishment is he shouldn't be allowed to put on another big league uniform or step foot in another ballpark."