Albert Pujols, Edgar Renteria, and Scott Rolen could be first-team NL at their respective positions this year (not that Prince Albert would beat out Bonds for LF, but he could make the starting OF). Eli Marrero has been a super-sub, and Miguel Cairo may be the best pinch-hitter in the league. Most of all, the pitching has been amazing, the way unexpected guys (Benes, Simontacchi) have stepped up when their mates have gone down (to injury or even death!).
Cardinal Nation has lost, this season: starting pitcher Darryl Kile; broadcaster Jack Buck (the most beloved man in St. Louis); HOF outfielder Enos Slaughter; and '80s WS hero Darrel Porter.
Andy Benes, whom I thought I could hit this spring, has added the splitter and come back from the pitching graveyard. Jason Simontacchi has come from out of nowhere to give the starting staff a huge boost. Walt Jocketty has picked up for next-to-nothing, and Dave Duncan has revitalized, pitching retreads Chuck Finley, Rick White, and Jeff Fassero, all of whom have come through big-time. Jocketty stole--and today the Cardinals signed to a long-term deal--Scott Rolen, the best 3b in baseball, tremendously talented all-around (slugging, fielding, throwing, baserunning).
This has the makings of a storybook year for the Cardinals.