The Cardinal Nation blog

A look back at the top projected stories across the Cardinal Nation in 2009 from one year ago.

The 2009 St. Louis Cardinals’ centerfield featured a transition from the veteran to the kid along with some interesting twists.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel will become a free agent. It may be best for all involved for the 30-year-old to move on.

Until Friday, the St. Louis Cardinals hadn’t hit three home runs in an inning since July of 2007.

Chris Carpenter is the only active pitcher to collect ten or more strikeouts in a game for the St. Louis Cardinals. It hasn’t always been a rarity, however.

What was being discussed on Sunday before and after the Cardinals rainout in Washington

What is being discussed as the Cardinals prepared to take on the Nationals in game two of their weekend series.

The St. Louis Cardinals are currently deploying four regular outfielders. Why is that surprising to some?

With the Monday signing of outfielder Ryan Ludwick, all five St. Louis Cardinals arbitration-eligible players have come to terms on 2009 contracts.

Albert Pujols wisely dodged making direct comments on the Alex Rodriguez steroids scandal, yet his relief about his own team seems very limited in focus.

For what may be his final season in St. Louis, outfielder Rick Ankiel and the club have come to terms on his 2009 contract.

St. Louis Cardinals news include three former hurlers finding new homes, three additional spring training invites and more.

With Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick heading for arbitration hearings, how have the St. Louis Cardinals fared in these salary disputes over the years?

Dates for Ankiel and Ludwick arbitration hearings, Choi contract clarification, club out of money and more St. Louis Cardinals news.

If the St. Louis Cardinals end up in an arbitration hearing with Scott Boras, representing Rick Ankiel, is the deck already stacked against them?

St. Louis Cardinals outfielders Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick head one step closer to arbitration to set their respective 2009 salaries.

Big strikeout games from St. Louis Cardinals pitchers have become a very rare occurrence, but it wasn’t always that way.

The St. Louis Cardinals will soon need to offer 2009 contract amounts to five players from just under three up through six years of experience and the five have to counter with their view of their value. If the two cannot agree, arbitration to set the player’s 2009 salary will follow in February.

The final article in Brian Walton’s series looking back at the biggest stories across the St. Louis Cardinal Nation during 2008 and now, looking ahead to 2009.