ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Mike Shildt just loves when I do this.
But while the Cardinals manager puts together some lineups that include All-World third baseman Nolan Arenado, something he's been doing since Arenado was acquired from the Rockies ... is it okay if I go ahead and take a quick stab at it?
Thanks. I just knew you would say yes.
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Here goes:
1) Tommy Edman, 2b. Edman's on-base percentage (.317 in 2020) will need to improve here, but he's a line-drive hitter, switch-hitter, patient hitter. Good baserunner. His second-year numbers weren't as good as his rookie stats, but 2020 was an odd year. If he can get off to a good start, it sets the table for...
2) Dylan Carlson, rf. I'm going with Carlson in right... I've always felt he projects as a RF. But for the purpose of this exercise, the most important thing is that I love him batting second, with massive protection behind him. He should get a tasty selection of pitches to crush, and his switch-hitting and baserunning ability makes him an ideal player to have in front of...
3) Paul Goldschmidt, 1b. "Goldy" remains the team's best hitter and therefore gets the No. 3 spot. His .417 OBP led the team last season (followed by Kolten Wong's .350). And yes, that sets up a deadly middle of the order with...
4) Nolan Arenado, 3b. It's still a lot of fun to type that, actually. I'm not sure when it won't be, as long as he is healthy. Before his shoulder issues, Arenado was a three-time NL home run champion. He changes the entire approach to the lineup by opposing managers.
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5) Paul DeJong, ss. DeJong's offensive numbers might have been down in a COVID year (he did get the virus), but he's a streaky hitter who can carry the team at times when he gets hot.
6) Yadier Molina, c. I'm opting for more speed at the bottom of the order. Also, Molina is still one of the best clutch hitters on the team and should find himself in a potentially productive spot in the order.
7) Tyler O'Neill, lf. This could end up being Lane Thomas' spot if he outperforms O'Neill. Thomas, however, would seem to be an ideal fourth outfielder for his versatility. Besides, he hasn't been able to get at-bats in the last two seasons (a combined 74 in those two years) because of injuries and COVID. Back to O'Neill, though, he has ferocious power when he makes contact. That's the key, of course, seeing his improvement in that area. He's a Gold Glove left fielder with blazing speed on the basepaths. The only player on the Cardinals faster is...
8) Harrison Bader, cf. The glove plays. The WAR (1.0) plays. But he also needs to show improvement at the plate. Just a little more contact would give him the opportunity to get on base and create havoc. We know he can hit a fastball a mile. Can he connect on the breaking stuff... making harder contact and keeping the line moving? We'll see.
9) Pitcher.
Now, if there's a DH, we'll revisit this. But call it a rough draft on the day pitchers and catchers report. Happy baseball season!
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