Most people still seemingly expect Albert Pujols to return to St. Louis for the extended future, but if that doesn't happen the team could turn its attention to signing former Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Shortstop is one of the key positions that the Cardinals need to work on upgrading for the 2012 season, although Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak recently said that the team would be comfortable with using 28-year-old former first-round pick Tyler Greene there to begin next season. They're still reportedly keeping tabs on Rafael Furcal as well, as they seek ways to upgrade the roster as they try to repeat as World Series champs next season.
But if the team fails to re-sign Pujols, shortstop appears to be the one position where they can really pursue a serious upgrade. Without Pujols, it seems likely that the Cardinals would shift Lance Berkman to first base and start Allen Craig in right field, which would allow them to reallocate some of the Pujols money towards signing a premium shortstop like Rollins.
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