Tony LaRussa and Mark McGwire (Photo by Getty Images)

It’s UCB project time! The December edition features members listing what they feel were the top five storylines of the 2010 campaign. Mine are as follows in countdown format of course since it’s New Year’s Eve:

5. I’ll kick off my countdown with Jaime Garcia earning his spot in the rotation. Going into spring training it was believed the battle would be between Rich Hill and Kyle McClellan for the 5^th spot. Garcia was brilliant in the spring winning the spot against the odds and continued his masterful pitching during the season to solidify his spot as the Cardinals number 3 starter.

4. The Cardinals lack of depth within the organization came to light early in the season. Injuries and under performance prompted the organization to bring in Jeff Suppan, Aaron Miles and Randy Winn respectively to fill the voids. This is an issue I don’t believe has been resolved and could play a roll in the 2011 season as well.

3. The Colby Rasmus drama was and still is a topic floating around St. Louis. The mid-season trade request along with the consistent trade rumors floating around have become a thorn in the side to most Cardinal fans. I believe a group hug involving Colby, TLR and Colby’s father may be in order.

2. The “Basebrawl” series with Cincinnati checks in at number two. The Cardinals swept the series and departed Cincinnati at the top of the standings in the Central Division. This series would have been highly regarded as the turning point of the season had the Cardinals went on to win the division. Instead their inability to defeat bad teams and score runs against bad pitching reared its ugly head down the stretch. The Reds were able to consistently win games against teams with records below .500 while the Cardinals fell flat.

1. I’ve chosen the departure of Ryan Ludwick as the number one storyline. In a move of desperation the organization moved the fan favorite in exchange for pitcher Jake Westbrook. As a player Luddy modeled the ‘Play Like A Cardinal’ way while being a strong pillar in the clubhouse. The move was prompted by injuries and the emergence of outfielder Jon Jay. The re-signing of Westbrook this off-season has helped shed positive light on the situation.

The Cardinals and their fans had high expectations going into last season. Things just don’t always work out the way they’re supposed to. Like all things in life good and bad it’s time to move forward. A great way to kick off the 2011 headlines would be locking up Albert for a long, long time. Until next time….

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