Cardinals 2009 closing time opens 2010 offseason


“Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end,” goes the well-known Semisonic tune “Closing Time”.

With the final out of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-game sweep of the Cardinals in the National League Division Series, St. Louis’ 2009-2010 off-season unofficially began.

Say goodbye to the following Cardinals, all impending free agents. They include the projected starting left side of the infield over the winter and two members of the season-opening rotation.

  • Troy Glaus
  • Khalil Greene
  • Joel Pineiro
  • Todd Wellemeyer

These players, also free agent eligible, may or may not return. Two, Matt Holliday and Mark DeRosa, were acquired via trade during the season, while another, John Smoltz, was added after having been released by the Boston Red Sox:

  • Rick Ankiel
  • Mark DeRosa
  • Matt Holliday
  • Jason LaRue
  • John Smoltz

The entire coaching staff is also not under contract for next season:

  • Tony La Russa
  • Dave Duncan
  • Marty Mason
  • Hal McRae
  • Dave McKay
  • Jose Oquendo
  • Joe Pettini
  • Mike Aldrete

As a footnote, in 13 first-round playoff series over his career with the White Sox, A’s and Cardinals, this was the first time a La Russa club was swept. His first-round record is now 9-4 overall, 6-2 with St. Louis. 2001 was his other Cardinals club that exited early, though they lost in the NLDS game five.