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In 2015, the St. Louis Cardinals went an MLB-best 100-62 to clinch their third consecutive NL Central title and fifth straight playoff berth. Going into 2016, there is some concern after the departures of Jason Heyward and John Lackey and injuries to key players such as starting pitcher Lance Lynn (out for season) and shortstop Jhonny Peralta (possibly out 2-3 months). Nevertheless, the Cardinals are still a very good club and can be expected to be in the NL Central mix yet again. Here is a spring training prediction of how manager Mike Matheny‘s lineup may look when his club takes on Francisco Liriano and the Pittsburgh Pirates on opening day.
1. Matt Carpenter, 3B
Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports1. Matt Carpenter, 3B
In 2015, Matt Carpenter hit a solid .272/.365/.505 and led the Cardinals with 28 homers and 84 RBIs. It was a little bit of a different year for Carpenter, as he hit for more power and a little less contact, but his ability to consistently get on base should make him a great leadoff option for the Cards in 2016.
2. Stephen Piscotty, RF
Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports2. Stephen Piscotty, RF
With Heyward now playing for the division-rival Chicago Cubs, Stephen Piscotty should get an increased opportunity to show the Cardinals what he can do. Piscotty hit a terrific .305/.359/.494 with seven homers and 39 RBIs through 63 games last season and should be a great fit in the No. 2 spot.
3. Matt Holliday, LF
Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports3. Matt Holliday, LF
After being limited to just 73 games last year, the Cardinals are going to need a bounce-back season from Matt Holliday in 2016. Since first coming to St. Louis all the way back in the summer of 2009, Holliday has hit a rock-solid .298/.386/.498 with a 142 OPS+.
4. Randal Grichuk, CF
Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports4. Randal Grichuk, CF
After hitting .276/.329/.548 with 17 homers and 47 RBIs through just 103 games with the Cardinals last year, it should certainly be fun to see the type of power numbers Randal Grichuk can post over the course of a full season. Many consider him to be a top breakout candidate heading into 2016.
5. Matt Adams, 1B
Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports5. Matt Adams, 1B
After a disappointing 2014 campaign in which he was limited to only 60 games, Matt Adams now finds himself battling Brandon Moss for the first base job. While Moss has been the consistent 20-plus homer threat in recent years, Adams has shown an ability to hit for more average, posting a combined .287 BA between 2013-14 while averaging 16 homers. One would think Adams should still have untapped power potential as well.
6. Yadier Molina, C
Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports6. Yadier Molina, C
Although injuries have recently been a factor and he didn't have the type of offensive season that fans have seen from him in the past, Yadier Molina hit a serviceable .270/.310/.350 last year. He is still an excellent defensive catcher as well. The 33-year-old should be a good fit in the No. 6 spot in 2016.
7. Kolten Wong, 2B
Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports7. Kolten Wong, 2B
After finishing third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2014, Kolten Wong had another solid season last year, hitting .262/.321/.386 with 11 homers and 61 RBIs. He should continue to stabilize the second base position for the Cards.
8. Ruben Tejada, SS
Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports8. Ruben Tejada, SS
Recently signed to a one-year deal, Ruben Tejada should serve as a capable fill-in for the injured Peralta. The Cardinals also have Jedd Gyorko who can play some shortstop and may be able to provide a bit more punch with the bat than Tejada, however.
9. Adam Wainwright, P
Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports9. Adam Wainwright, P
After rupturing his Achilles tendon last April and missing most of the season, the Cardinals will desperately need Adam Wainwright to return to his Cy Young-contending form in 2016. The now 34-year-old has already been named the Cards' likely opening day starter, marking the fourth consecutive and fifth time overall he will receive the honor.
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