JUPITER, Florida (AP) ― Lance Berkman thinks the St. Louis Cardinals will be just as dangerous this season without Albert Pujols in the lineup as they were with him batting third.

“If I play up to my ability they’re not going to notice much of a drop off,” Berkman said. “It’s just a matter of playing up to my ability.”

The 36-year-old Berkman will replace Pujols at first base in his second season in St. Louis, moving in from right field which now belongs to free agent acquisition Carlos Beltran.

Berkman had a revival while helping St. Louis win the World Series title. He hit .301 with 31 home runs, 94 RBIs and a .412 on-base percentage, his best season since 2008. He was seventh in the MVP voting, two spots behind Pujols.

Berkman played 145 games after hobbling through 122 games in 2010 following left knee surgery during spring training. “You don’t realize what it’s like to try to get through a season and compete at this level when you’re not right,” manager Mike Matheny said. “You’re fighting an uphill battle the whole time.”

Beltran, who played with Berkman in 2004 in Houston, was not surprised to see Berkman regain his old form.

“Here’s a guy who’s had years like that in his past,” Beltran said. “But when you’re not healthy there’s a lot of things you’re not going to be able to accomplish out there.

“Last year he showed he was healthy and he’s the same player he was when he was in Houston.”

The biggest issue this spring is not his health but Berkman’s increased role in the absence of Pujols, who left St. Louis after 11 seasons to sign a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Angels.