Colby Rasmus

With news that Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus has requested a trade, a team with an already cloudy future did not get any clearer. 

Here are five reasons why Cardinal fans’ motto for the rest of the season should be “playoffs or bust.”

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The planets are back in alignment.

After two grand slams, a benches-clearing brawl, a rain delay, and a series to remember, the St. Louis Cardinals have returned to their usual perch atop the National League Central.

Billy Bob Thornton. Bob Knight. Nelly. Bill Clinton.

Recently another big name has been added to the above list. Apparently, Roy Oswalt is a Cardinals fan.

The Astros' ace has stated on numerous occasions that he'd favor a trade to the St. Louis Cardinals, and because Oswalt has a full no-trade clause, he holds all the cards.

So now it's up to St. Louis to make a move. With a farm system that has been depleted by several trades over the past few years, the Cardinals cannot afford to make a mistake here.

Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday.

St. Louis Cardinals fans know these players well as the heart of the order for the Redbirds, and for good reason. They've consistently produced year in and year out with offensive numbers and defensive prowess.

Baseball fans might want to start looking for Colby Rasmus in that role as well.

The young outfielder crushed his first home run of the 2010 season yesterday, and looks poised to become part of something special for St. Louis.

This Article Originally Appeared on Friar Forecast