McBrayer's St.Louis Cardinals All Star Team for the Decade

I have to admit that it was kinda hard to come up with a list of the Decade's Best Cardinal Players at each position. I struggled through this but was able to iron out I think is the best of the best from 2000-2010.

Mike Matheny

I really had a hard time between Mike Matheny and Yadier Molina. For me Matheny had a slight edge due to having four Gold Gloves compared to Yadi's two. They both have superb arms in throwing out base runners. I think my final push was the fact how Matheny handled the pitchers. He indeed may have the potential to become a Manager someday.

Albert Pujols

 

Pujols is hands down the best All Decade 1B. Tino Martinez couldn't hold a candle to "The Mang"

Fernando Vina

 

Here's a player that wanted to be a Cardinal when he was playing with the Brewers. It took guts for Vina to speak out like that during his final year with Brewers. This feisty little player spent time with the Cards from 2000 to 2004. My Brazillian Father-in-Law was a loss for english words to describe his style of play. When taking him to a Cardinal game one summer, I recall him yelling "Viva Vina!" after every exciting play he made. I am not basing my decision from my father-in-law's fondness for him, its based on his skills and love of the game. Vina had racked up two gold gloves while playing for the Cardinals. He would also do anything to get on base, even getting hit by pitch to get on base. He led hit by pitch twenty eight times in 2000, that year he led in that category.

Edgar Renteria

 

Edgar Renteria had a nice six year career with the Cardinals. In 2003 and 2004 he appeared in the All Star Game. He also received two Gold Gloves in 2002 and 2003 with the Cardinals. Edgar was very consistent at his position at shortstop.

Scott Rolen

 

Scott Rolen was the Cardinals anchor at thirdbase for five years. He collected three Gold Gloves with the Cardinals from 2003-2004-2006. A very popular player among the Fans made his stay here worth while before he injury and problems with LaRussa. He also got voted in as a All-Star four times in a row. 2003-2006. My decision for Rolen was in regards to his gritty play and integrity he had while being a Cardinal.

To round off the rest I chose Ray Lankford for Left-Field. Jimmy "Baseball" Edmonds for Centerfield, thats a no brainer, and Ryan Ludwick at Right-Field.

My starting pitcher for the Decade is Chris Carpenter. This 2005 Cy Young Winner is in a class all by himself.

For Closer Jason Isringhausen wins by default. Spent seven years as the Cardinals Closer and racked up 217 Saves when playing with the Cardinals.