For the first time in a long time Cardinal fans had something to fixate on besides Albert Pujols. In Sunday afternoon’s interleague match-up against the Twins, all eyes were on new addition Mark DeRosa. Late Saturday night GM John Mozeliak worked the phones, toiling and haggling with the Cleveland Indians’ front office, and much to the delight – and surprise – of Cardinal Nation, pried loose the Tribe’s super-utility man. The Redbirds shipped “closer of the future” Chris Perez and a player-to-be named later to Cleveland for the newest piece of their offensive puzzle.


Graced with cheers of hope and standing ovations, the newest Cardinal went 0-for-3 in his debut, but made a dazzling catch and drew an intriguing walk late in the game that brought the tying run to the plate. Unfortunately DeRosa and his new team fell short, but he still has 85 games left in 2009 to prove what he can do. The question is… Will adding Mark DeRosa be enough?


It’s obviously tough to judge after one game, but the answer is: Probably not. While DeRosa is a fantastic addition to the ball club, he is not a prototypical cleanup hitter and if the team doesn’t get additional support, they will be asking a lot from a man who is likely not prepared to give it. Make no mistake, the former Cub is a fine hitter and is on pace to set career highs in homers and RBI this season, but he is not adequate protection for Albert Pujols. And that is what this team desperately needs.


DeRosa projects as a quality fifth or sixth slot hitter, who can drive in runs in bunches from the lower half of the lineup. He has a decent amount of pop (13 homers so far), but isn’t a legitimate threat that can slide into the cleanup spot in a division-winning lineup. His biggest asset to the club is probably his versatility. A utility man who plays every day, DeRosa can defend effectively at third, second, first or either corner outfield position. It’s widely known that micromanaging skipper, Tony LaRussa, loves to mix it up day in and day out and perpetually tinker with his lineups. DeRosa is the Cardinal manager’s wet dream.


Now, I fully expect DeRosa to produce, and I’d be shocked if he didn’t become an instant fan favorite, but adding him only addresses one of the Cardinals’ three needs. He takes care of the third base situation that is the gaping hole left by Troy Glaus, but the Birds still need an imposing and legitimate power threat to protect Pujols and another capable number three or four starting pitcher.


Matt Holliday is the obvious option for the former – and the Cardinals have shown genuine interest – but the team needs to stick with its relentless pursuit and not back off now that they have landed DeRosa. Yes, Holliday’s stats (.274-8-39) are currently inferior to DeRosa’s (.267-13-50), but look at the facts before judging him. The A’s slugger is stuck in a vast pitcher’s park with absolutely no offensive support around him, and he is one season removed from being one of the better hitters in the National League. Most importantly, he is feared by pitchers, and could provide significant protection for Pujols. It also doesn’t hurt that he rakes at Busch Stadium. A change of scenery and he could easily return to All Star form.


As for an additional hurler, the Cardinals will need to target a Pedro Martinez or a Doug Davis or a Jarrod Washburn. Because frankly, the rotation they have now won’t get it done. Todd Wellemeyer needs to be relegated to the bullpen and this team will not be able to contend for a playoff birth with Brad Thompson in the rotation. God forbid, if something happens to Chris Carpenter, or Adam Wainwright, or even Kyle Lohse. Cardinal Nation will not be able to deal with the collective heartburn that hits when this team is counting on Thompson and Wellemeyer to keep them in the race.


Adding DeRosa is a laudable achievement, but the organization can’t stop there. It’s going to take more than one dependable bat to keep this team competitive and hopefully Bill DeWitt can climb down from his pile of money and do something about it.


Mark DeRosa, welcome to St. Louis. You’re going to love it. Here’s hoping we can get you a couple of new friends to ease your transition into baseball heaven.