The St. Louis sports landscape changed dramatically with the departure of two iconic personalities who dominated the local scene for more than a decade.

The sudden retirement of Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and the free-agent defection of first baseman Albert Pujols created space on the top floor. There's a place for new, young stars to move in and gain notice. There's room for established stars to grow.

There's even a chance for an entire franchise to reinvent itself and become more prominent.

The sports talk in our town has been intense in recent days. There's been an overload of Pujols-related anger, and increasing disgust over the state of the Rams.

I thought I'd lighten things up today with a list of the Top 15 personalities or teams that figure to benefit most from the void left by La Russa and Pujols.

Why 15? Because La Russa wore No. 10 and Pujols wore No. 5. Add them together ...

1. The St. Louis Blues: The enigmatic franchise is in position for lift-off. The Blues are 11-2-3 since hiring new coach Ken Hitchcock, and the fans want to believe again. The Cardinals are entrenched as the most popular franchise in St. Louis, but the sparring over Pujols will leave scars. The Rams are hopeless, at least until owner Stan Kroenke orders a makeover. The Blues will largely have the stage to themselves for a while. They have a splendid chance to expand their fan base and gain a new level of eminence.

2. David Freese: The local hero has tremendous momentum on his side after the epic 2011 postseason in which he batted .397 with a .794 slugging percentage, five homers and 21 RBIs. Freese was named MVP of the NL Championship Series and the World Series. Freese's two lightning strikes in World Series Game 6 will forever occupy a special place in franchise history. On top of all that, Freese is a genuinely likable and well-centered person. If he can stay healthy and play well, he's Mr. St. Louis.

3. Frank Haith: The first-year Missouri basketball coach certainly had an awkward beginning. He wasn't a popular hire. Then Haith's name was linked to a disgraced former Miami booster who made serious allegations about improprieties in the Hurricanes' athletic department. But Haith has the undefeated, nationally ranked Tigers off to a rollicking start. Haith's players clearly enjoy playing for him; the Tigers work hard and play smart. The new coach is winning over skeptics and making new friends.

4. Adam Wainwright: His right elbow is repaired. And if healthy we know he's a dominating starting pitcher. Wainwright is also one of the best people in STL sports, offering an appealing combination of wit, candor, humility and competitive zeal. Much of the 2012 Cardinals' success hinges on starting pitching; Wainwright's return is a big part of that.

(Side note: If you are wondering why I haven't mentioned Chris Carpenter, it's simple. He can't become more popular or respected than he already is.)

5. Ken Hitchcock: If the Rams fire coach Steve Spagnuolo after the season, Hitchcock will have the most longevity among the current St. Louis professional head coaches or managers. That's crazy, considering that he was hired Nov. 8. Hitchcock is revising the Blues' gauzy, glamour-boy image by turning the team into a high-energy, working-class outfit.

6. T.J. Oshie: The Blues' resident bad boy seems to be growing up; he's playing like a maniac on the ice. Oshie has always been popular with the fans, but he's earning respect now. Oshie always had the charisma; now he's adding the credibility. Oshie's potential star power is undeniable. Reservations are being taken on the Oshie bandwagon; tell the teenage girls to move over.

7. Allen Craig: I went with Craig over Lance Berkman, simply because Craig figures to be here longer. We all like the happy Berkman, but he's on a one-year contract. The Cardinals will control Craig's career for at least four years. Craig has a potent, dangerous bat. He'll see 500 or more at-bats in wake of Pujols' exit. The reserved Craig is also developing a bit of personality. He has a chance to pick up a lot of popularity points, and fast.

8. Matt Holliday: with Pujols checking out, the left fielder will feel added pressure. Under contract for five more seasons, Holliday will be the mainstay of this lineup for years to come. And his presence takes on added importance now. Though some fans overreacted and whined about Holliday's bad luck with mostly fluke injuries last season, the fact is that only six NL players had a better onbase-slugging percentage (.925) than Holliday over the last two seasons.

9. Rick Majerus and St. Louis U. basketball: Majerus and the Billikens are headed for a breakout season and probably a trip to the NCAA Tournament. With interest increasing, more fans will come to appreciate the unique and always fascinating Majerus. He's a great coach, and SLU plays the game the right way. We like that in this old-school sports town.

10. Mike Matheny: the Cardinals' new manager already is popular among fans because of his playing days as a tough, no-nonsense catcher. It won't be easy to succeed La Russa, but TLR also had his share of detractors or fans who were ready for a change. Cardinals fans will be rooting hard for Matheny. And if he has a strong rookie season, his popularity will soar.

11. Sam Bradford: Do not count him out. If the Rams rebound in 2012, the QB will show the way. And predictably fickle fans will love him again.

12. Steven Jackson: He's donated his career to a lost cause. The more the Rams lose, the more fans appreciate Jackson for sticking in there, running hard and fighting with more determination than ever to end the futility. If any STL athlete deserves more love and respect, it's SJ39.

13. David Backes: The Blues' captain already commands respect. If the Note delivers on its promise, the relentless Backes will gain even more stature.

14. Chris Long: The defensive end is having a terrific 2011 season, only to be obscured by another ugly Rams season. If the team can win in 2012, Long's star will ascend.

15. Phil Pressey: Is the Mizzou sophomore on his way to becoming one of the top point guards in college basketball?