Breakout Performances from the Cardinals' First 2 Weeks of Spring Training

Corey NolesMar 9, 2014

With spring training in full swing, the St. Louis Cardinals are getting to take some early peeks at a handful of players who will be fighting for roster spots as Opening Day draws near.

The usual suspects are already putting on a show.

Matt Holliday is batting .800 (8-for-10), with five RBI, two doubles and a pair of walks.

Matt Adams is also swinging the bat well early in the season, hitting .438 with five RBI and a home run.

Much like them, catcher Yadier Molina is batting .429.

We’ve come to expect it from those guys, but that’s not who we’re here to talk about today. This article is about the spring training surprises.

The true excitement in spring training comes from watching players come from out of nowhere and basically force themselves onto the big league roster. In 2014, there is a small handful of players making that type of push early in the process.

All stats are courtesy Baseball Reference and Fangraphs; they are current through March 9, 2014.

Luis Mateo

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Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Luis Mateo, a 23-year-old middle infielder from Puerto Rico, is making an early impression in 2014.

In addition to having a quality glove, Mateo is batting .400 over the course of seven games to date. His pair of RBI and three runs scored are showing the front office that he’s serious about earning his keep within this organization.

Serviceable at both shortstop and second base, Mateo’s most likely route to St. Louis at this point would be as a utility man. However, with Mark Ellis, Daniel Descalso, Pete Kozma and now, Aledmys Diaz, it’s crowded up the middle in St. Louis.

If he wants to make the roster, he’ll have to make sure the team doesn't see another option. That will not be easy.

Tyler Lyons

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With at least a short-term slot likely available in the starting rotation while Jaime Garcia continues to get back into his routine, Tyler Lyons is looking to make himself the front-runner for that position.

At this point, I would argue he is right where he wants to be.

While the Cardinals may have a more experienced option or two, Lyons gives them the ability to bring a left-hander into the mix. That blend, while not necessary, does give a sense of balance that can be useful throughout the season.

One of only two Cardinals pitchers to toss five or more innings in a game this season, Lyons has so far held hitters to a .118 average and is sporting a 1.80 ERA.

Another impressive bit from Lyons is the fact that he is currently tied for the team strikeout lead this spring with five, giving him an impressive 0.40 WHIP.

Tim Cooney

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Steven Senne/Associated Press

With Lyons as the favorite for the starter slot, a relatively unknown starter, Tim Cooney, has been turning heads early this spring.

Cooney, a 6’3” left-handed pitcher, has gone out for two innings twice already, and each appearance has shown a steady-minded talent capable of beating big league hitters.

Through two weeks of games, Cooney has held batters to a .083 average overall, surrendering only one run on one hit through four innings pitched.

The odds of his success carrying him to St. Louis in early April are slim; however, the organization is taking notice. In the event of an injury, He could by midseason find himself on a short list of names prepped for a call-up.