Remember how fans fretted about the Cardinals bench back in March?

That seems like a long time ago. This team has encountered some unexpected turbulence this summer, but bench play isn’t one of their problems.

Step by step, general manager John Mozeliak retooled the 25-man roster to the liking of manager Tony La Russa. One by one, La Russa favorites arrived to fill supporting cast roles on the team.

Each had a pedigree the manager admired:

 

• Felipe Lopez starred for the Cardinals during his prior stretch-run stint with the team, hitting .385 here in 2008. He failed to attract much free-agent interest this spring despite playing All-Star-caliber ball for Arizona and Milwaukee last season. Surprisingly, the Cards were able to sign him as an extra player.
• Aaron Miles had three productive seasons here as an (almost) everyday player. He got nice money to jump to the Cubs, but his time in the Windy City did not go well -- and then he failed to make the cut in Cincinnati this spring. (Another La Russa favorite, Miguel Cairo, beat him out.)
• Randy Winn is an outfielder La Russa always coveted, but never had – until the Yankees turned him out earlier this season, allowing Mozeliak to sign him for the minimum veteran wage.

 

So La Russa is thrilled to have this trio on the team. None were on the opening spring training roster, but each has had the desired impact since coming aboard.

All three players are switch-hitters, giving the Cards maximum flexibility. All offer defensive versatility, too.

Lopez and Miles play all over the infield and can fill in as outfielders if needed. Winn plays all three outfield spots.

None of these guys hit for much power, but each has a history of hitting for decent averages.

None of these guys are great base stealers at this advanced point of their careers (Lopez did swipe 44 once in his prime), but each is a pretty good baserunner.

All three players have been regulars during their careers, but each has adapted to playing off the bench. All three are good situational players, capable of doing many things well.

And each veteran is filling a significant role as July arrives with starting third baseman David Freese on the disabled list and starting right fielder Ryan Ludwick hobbled by a calf strain.

The addition of these players did not signal an end to player development in St. Louis. Rather, their arrival underscored La Russa’s urgency to get back to postseason play this season.

The Cards have gotten help from their up-and-coming players this season. Pinch-hitting specialist Nick Stavinoha (.281 in 69 plate appearances) adapted well to part-time play and has earned extra at bats with Ludwick shelved.

Outfielder Jon Jay hit .301 during his earlier stint, positioning himself for a bigger future role. Shortstop Tyler Greene (6 for 26, double, homer, three RBIs, stolen base) showed promise too. Joe Mather (.191 as a Card in ‘10) and Allen Craig (just 1 for 19 earlier this year) didn’t do as well in limited action.

Jay, Greene, Mather and Craig are all starring as everyday players at Memphis. Each figures to be back with the big club this season, in September if not sooner.

All four are candidates for next year’s team, since the Cards can’t keep all their veterans AND re-sign Albert Pujols to bigger money.

In the meantime, though, La Russa has the sort of mix he prefers for the 162-game marathon. Lopez, Miles and Winn started in Tuesday night’s 8-0 victory and they combined to reach base eight times.

Only Lopez started again Wednesday, which is how life goes for the extra players. Winn and Miles went back to waiting, watching and preparing – three tasks which can frustrate younger players.

Great bench play won’t carry the Cards back into the playoffs. The big hitters still need to do the heavy lifting over the long haul.

But solid support from these veterans could keep the team together through difficult times. By giving the team a lift here and there, these veterans keep the squad positioned for better things.