Around the Horn
The Cardinals infield doesn't get as much credit as it should. We all love Matt Carpenter and he gets the recognition that he deserves, but I feel the rest of the group doesn't get as much love.
1B
Although it is early and spring training hasn't started yet, it appears that Brandon Moss will be getting the nod at first base, at least to begin the season. A large amount of Cardinal nation was very disappointed in the Moss trade late year and he didn't do very much with the rest of the season to dissuade the doubts that many people had. Moss, however, was dealing with a healing hip after having surgery last off-season. I believe that a healthy Moss will return more to form this season. His ZIPs projections for this season aren't what I anticipate from him.
AVG OBP SLG HR OPS+ WAR
.237 .319 .444 21 108 1.2
These seem like very modest projections as Moss averaged a SLG% of .518 and an OPS+ of 139 in the three seasons prior to the hip injury. I feel like a healthy hip will lead to a return to form. I see a potential comeback player of the year in Moss.
2B
If there is any player with the most breakout potential this season it's Kolten Wong. His strikeout percentage was too high last year and his OBP needs to improve, especially if he wants to bat leadoff, as he has expressed a desire to. I don't believe he is a good fit as a leadoff hitter even if his OBP improves. I do, however, expect him to vastly outpace his projections this year.
AVG OBP SLG HR OPS+ WAR
.261 .313 .389 11 92 2.4
I feel that a 92 OPS+ seems extremely low for him as that's saying he will be a below league average hitter. I think he will make the next step this season and truly stand out offensively as well as continuing to make spectacular plays at the keystone.
SS
Good old Jhonny. Peralta was a tale of two halves, much like Wong, last year. Both Jhonny and Kolten had amazing first halves and then the grind of the season seemed to get the best of them as fatigue led to a dramatic drop off offensively for both after the all-star break. This problem will hopefully be addressed with the addition of Gyorko, as he will be able to effectively spell both throughout the season. Peralta has been a streaky player throughout his career but I expect another strong season from him. ZIPs projects a season more in line with the second half of 2015.
AVG OBP SLG HR OPS+ WAR
.261 .322 .404 14 99 2.6
Only time will tell which Peralta we will see. His OPS+ has averaged 109 over the last 5 seasons. His WAR is up and down throughout his career as he had a 5.7 WAR in 2014 and then dropped to 1.8 last year. Which Jhonny will we see?
3B
Matt Carpenter. That's all that really needs to be said. The guy can flat out rake. He gets on base better than anyone on the team and last year showed his incredible power potential. His projections are interesting, considering the season he had last year. ZIPs appears to have taken an average over his last three seasons and went with the result. Though they underestimate his power in my opinion. There isn't a clear consensus on what kind of hitter Marp is. Regardless of if he is the high power hitter from 2015 or the walk machine of 2014, it's clear that he will be the guy who leads the lineup.
AVG OBP SLG HR OPS+ WAR
.272 .362 .442 16 120 3.8
No matter which Marp we get it's going to be a lot of fun to watch. The man should batting leadoff even with his power. Last season the phrase “As he goes, so go the Cardinals” could not be more true. He set the pace for the lineup and I want him taking the most at bats on the team.
In short, I'm a big fan of the overall potential of our very solid infield. Add in Gyorko adding 15+ home runs off the bench, while giving the whole infield much needed time off and I believe the entire group can outpace their projections.
Thanks for reading
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