St. Louis Cardinals-2013 Fantasy Baseball Preview

Headed into the 2013 season, first baseman Allen Craig is one of several the St. Louis Cardinals who need to be on your radar as you prepare for your fantasy baseball drafts. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals were supposed to be devastated last year by the loss of Albert Pujols and their former-manager Tony LaRussa, but had a very successful season making another run to October. Can they continue their recent success this year? Who on their team should you be targeting in your fantasy baseball draft?

For those answers and a preview of their 2013 season, we’re joined by Daniel Solzman from Redbird Rants for his Cardinals season preview in today’s edition of our Starting 9 (archive here).

Starting 9

1.     Did your team do a good job this offseason?

They could have done a better job with the Furcal situation but aside from that, the Cardinals look good.

Mar 9, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma (38) at bat in the fourth inning during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

2.     Who is the key player to your team’s success this year?

Offensively the Cardinals are set.  Knowing what happens with shortstop is another story.

3.     Who is a position player many people may not know about who is going to have a breakout season?

Everyone on the team has had a breakout season save for Matt Carpenter and Pete Kozma.  The SS battle has yet to be resolved by Kozma stands out as the favorite right now.

4.     What starting pitcher is going to have a surprisingly good season?

I expect Jaime Garcia will come back completely healthy.

5.     How does your team’s bullpen look going into this coming year especially at the closer position?

The law firm of Mujica, Boggs, and Motte looks just fine.  Throw in Rosenthal and maybe Joe Kelly as a long reliever.  The pen looks really good coming into March.

6.     Who do you think is the most “over-rated” player on your team?

Nobody.  Least liked by fans?  Cedeno.

7.     Are there any rookies that will impact the team from the beginning of the season or as a midseason call-up?

Pete Kozma is the obvious response but the Cardinals have Kolten Wong and Oscar Taveras waiting in the wings.  I wouldn’t discount a call-up of Michael Wacha by the end of the season though.

8.     What would be considered a successful season for your team?

Postseason appearance.

9.     What exciting things do you have coming up on your site this season?

I hope to have several player interviews with minor league players that RR didn’t accomplish last season.

Special thanks to Daniel from Redbird Rants for helping us with his solid Cards knowledge as we look forward to opening day. Come back throughout the coming weeks for more fantasy baseball previews from the baseball writers across the FanSided network.