The St. Louis Cardinals lost Albert Pujols as a free agent to the Angels since winning the World Series. The Cardinals seem pretty content with the team that won it all last year as they have not made many changes for 2012. Here is a look at the new faces they have brought in so far:

In the field: The biggest player the Cardinals have brought in over the winter is outfielder Carlos Beltran. This will allow the Cardinals to move Lance Berkman to 1B to replace Albert Pujols. Beltran won’t be able to replace the offensive numbers that Pujols put up, but the Cardinals have a very solid offensive team and he’s going to fit right in. The Cardinals also recently signed veteran catcher Koyie Hill who will battle it out with Tony Cruz in spring training to see who will back up Yadier Molina in 2012.

On the mound: The Cardinals wanted another lefty for the pen so they have signed J.C. Romero and R.J. Swindle to compete for the job in spring training. Romero is almost a lock to make the Cardinals’ opening day pitching staff.

Overall: The Cardinals might wind up being even better in 2012 without Albert Pujols. That is because they are going to have an outstanding starting rotation that will welcome back Adam Wainwright, who is one of the best pitchers in the league. If Beltran stays healthy in 2012, he will cushion the loss of Pujols a little bit.

The Cardinals have signed 32-year old righty swinging catcher Koyie Hill to a minor league deal. Hill played in 46 games for the Cubs last year and he was 26 for 134 (.194 avg, .545 OPS) with 15 runs scored, 2 homers, 9 RBIs and 1 stolen base. He has now played in 302 games in his first 8 years in the majors and he is 176 of 833 (.211 avg, .573 OPS) with 75 runs scored, 8 homers, 75 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. Hill will battle Tony Cruz this spring for the right to see who will back up Yadier Molina in 2012.