Making Sense of the St. Louis Cardinals' Outfield

They both figure (and are most likely) to have an outfield slot secured.  Even if only one of them starts, they provide LaRussa with capable bats off the bench as well as back-ups should one of the starters go down with an injury. 

Chris Duncan (.038, 0, 0) has been a disappointment so far this spring, however he has experience in his converted position in the outfield and has hit more than 20 home runs each of the past two seasons.  He also has logged plenty of time at first base which could prove valuable. 

Surely, his performance from previous seasons will be enough for LaRussa to overlook his slow start to spring training and give him a spot on the roster (surely being the son of the pitching coach doesn’t hurt too much either).

That leaves Brian Barton (.349, 2, 8) and Juan Gonzalez (.308, 1, 5), one with a promising future and the other with an experienced past. 

Both have played well so far this spring.  However, Gonzalez has missed considerable time already with a strained abdominal muscle.  This, combined with the fact he has not played in the majors since 2005 and will turn 39 this year, does not bode well for him. 

Furthermore, Barton has played exceptionally well this spring and is one of only three right-handed bats available in the outfield (Ludwick and Gonzalez being the other two). Not to mention, he does have youth on his side. 

More than likely, Juan Gonzalez will be the odd man out at the end of spring training.  Whether or not he will accept an assignment to the minor leagues is to be determined. 

An outfield roster of Ankiel, Duncan, Schumaker, Ludwick, and Barton, while lacking in All-Star caliber names, does provide the Cardinals with a good mix of youth and experience. 

It should also be comforting to LaRussa to know Rasmus and Mather are available and ready at a moment’s notice to step up in the event of an injury or poor performance by the five big leaguers. 

It will be interesting to see the final decision of the coaching staff and how well this list of relative no-names can hold up and carry the Cardinals' outfield during the marathon season. 

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