ST. LOUIS • Way back during the spring of 2007, near one of the Cardinals’ practice fields at Roger Dean Stadium, a small group of reporters, team officials, and other talent evaluators had a discussion that began with a simple question. If they were to start a team at that moment, what player — considering age, contract status, position, all the necessary ingredients — would they pick?
My selection doesn’t look so good in hindsight, injuries and all.
At the time, in my defense, Cleveland outfielder Grady Sizemore was coming off a season where he helped reorient the leadoff position.