Drew has averaged only 387 at-bats in his two full major league seasons. At 25, this could be the year Drew lives up to the hype that has followed him for his entire pro career. The corners could turn out to be a big problem if McGwire is unable to stay healthy. At third, the trio of Polanco, Paquette and Andrews won't be able to match the Tatis' offensive production. And if McGwire goes down again, the Cardinals will be forced to replace nearly 50 percent of their power supply.
Experience never hurts.
The Cardinals revamped their bench in the offseason, brining in veteran outfielders Bobby Bonilla , Bernard Gilkey, John Mabry and Quinton McCracken , while signing oft-inured Dave Kingman impersonator Andrews. The bullpen should be much improved. Veres is a solid closer. Late-season acquisitions Mike Timlin and Jason Christensen pitched well down the stretch. Left-hander Steve Kline was added from Montreal in the offseason.