Unlike most teams, the Cardinals don't have to remake their rotation although they need one or two regular outfielders and at least one right-handed reliever and one left-handed reliever. Second base could be an issue, too, if they lose Mark Grudzielanek to free agency after losing Abraham Nunez to Philadelphia.

ARRIVALS
C Gary Bennett (free agent from Washington), INF Deivi Cruz (free agent from Washington), RHP Dennis Tankersley (minor league free agent from Kansas City).

DEPARTURES
RF Larry Walker (retired), RHP Cal Eldred (retired), INF Abraham Nunez (free agent, signed with Philadelphia), OF-INF John Mabry (free agent, signed with Chicago Cubs).

BIGGEST NEEDS
They need to get younger in the outfield. For sure, a regular right fielder is required with the retirement of Larry Walker, and there is no guarantee that they can afford LF Reggie Sanders if the 37-year-old gets a good multiyear offer. The bullpen, the deepest in the league, needs to be retooled because of free agent and injury defections.

FREE AGENTS
RHP Matt Morris, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, RHP Julian Tavarez, LF Reggie Sanders.

Morris probably is gone with the Cardinals picking up the $4 million option on the contract of RHP Jeff Suppan, who could have been a free agent.

ARBITRATION ELIGIBLE
RHP Jason Marquis is the only likely arbitration candidate. If the club fears he might get $5 million, it could trade him.

IN LIMBO
Marquis probably would bring the most value in the trading market. The Cardinals might not want to pay him $4-5 million as an arbitration-eligible player, and he might be the one player who could bring a regular outfielder in return.

MEDICAL WATCH
LHP Randy Flores (left elbow surgery) will be out six eight to weeks but should be ready for spring training. 3B Scott Rolen is rehabilitating after a second shoulder surgery and should be ready for spring training. RHP Al Reyes, who probably will be re-signed as a free agent even though he isn't able to pitch, might be back by August after offseason Tommy John surgery.