Over the years, the Cardinals have taken their share of hits for being cheap, for not doing everything they can to win.

While I’ve generally rebuffed those assertions, in 2010 I would suggest that anyone complaining about the efforts of the front office either has an anti-Cardinal agenda or isn’t paying attention.

This weekend’s signing of switch-hitter Felipe Lopez solidifies a bench that needed a lefthanded bat and a versatile performer.

The Cardinals spent good money on Brad Penny for insurance against another injury to Kyle Lohse. But a top four of Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Lohse and Carpenter…when healthy…is as good as anyone. While we can worry about closer Ryan Franklin, the Cardinals deserve credit, in my opinion, for developing youngsters like Jason Motte, Mitchell Boggs and Blake Hawksworth behind him. Additionally, when the Cards needed lefty relievers last year, they went out and picked up free agents Trever Miller and Dennys Reyes.

The everyday lineup is very solid, and a bench that includes Julio Lugo, Lopez, and kids like Joe Mather and Tyler Greene, plus Jason LaRue backing up Yadier Molina…provides great support.

Yes, the Cardinals need a backup centerfielder, preferably lefthanded. But to have what they have on March 1 is pretty darn impressive.