Making Sense of the St. Louis Cardinals' Outfield

With the end of spring training slowly but surely approaching, teams are getting ready to finalize rosters and competitions are fierce for the few remaining spots. 

This is especially true for the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Eight players are fighting for five outfield slots, and it does not make Tony LaRussa’s job any easier that all are posting a strong case for their right to be on the opening day roster. 

Going into spring training, Rick Ankiel, Chris Duncan, Skip Schumaker, and Ryan Ludwick figured to be contenders with Colby Rasmus out to show the organization he could step up and fill the enormous shoes left by Jim Edmonds in center, and Juan Gonzalez desperate to prove he is still capable enough to play in the majors. 

As this wasn’t enough, Rule 5 draftee Brian Barton and farm system product Joe Mather also threw their names into the competition.

As of today (3/17), the Cardinals optioned Colby Rasmus (.273, 2 HRs, 4 RBI) and Joe Mather (.289, 1, 4) to the minors. 

These moves make sense as both Rasmus and Mather have more options than Brian Barton (who, if not kept on the major league roster for the entire season, must be sent back the Cleveland Indians). 

Furthermore, Rasmus would be making a huge jump Double-A baseball to the majors; this allows him to gain his footing in the outfield, as well as the organization and take his time to develop as a more effective hitter and fielder. 

The same goes for Mather who had a breakout 2007 with 31 home runs between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis.  Added time in the farm system will only help increase his hitting ability.

That still leaves six players vying for the five available positions.  With a stellar spring training so far and an intriguing 2007 season, Rick Ankiel (.362, 3, 7) figures to have secured a roster spot if not the role as the Opening Day center fielder. 

Skip Schumaker (.333, 1, 5) and Ryan Ludwick (.293, 2, 5) are both coming off solid seasons as bench players for the decimated Cardinals outfield last year.  Schumaker is the closest player the Cardinals have to a stolen base threat this spring with three steals so far this Spring. 

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?