Defense wins championships. For the St. Louis Cardinals, pitching lead them to a World Series victory last year. The staff included Cy Young runner-up Chris Carpenter, Mark Mulder, Jeff Weaver, and Jeff Suppan. Along with the four starters was hard throwing closer Jason Isringhausen who suffered a season ending injury in September. The Cardinals lost Suppan when he signed a 4-year 42 million dollar contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in late December. Suppan was a key starter throughout the season and started game four in the World Series. Then the Mariners, who were in need of a game winner, signed Jeff Weaver to a one year contract worth 8.3 million. Weaver was a big part in the St. Louis Cardinal’s World Series victory win going 3-2 in the postseason. Carpenter, the Cardinals’ ace, agreed to a contract extention through five years early this month. Isringhausen should come back strong for the 2007 season, but with the loss of Suppan and Weaver, the Cardinals will look upon Carpenter, Mulder, and young gun Anthony Reyes to bring them back to the World Series.

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