Cardinals manager Mike Matheny indicated recently to Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that newly acquired outfielder Jason Heyward is likely to begin the 2015 season hitting second in the batting order, saying that he sees Heyward as “a ‘2’ or ‘3’ guy.” Matheny added that “I really likely him in the ‘2’ hole.” Matt Carpenter appears primed to stay in the leadoff spot in this arrangement, giving the club a great on-base threat at the top of the lineup.

The news from Matheny comes after GM John Mozeliak said last month that the team was considering the idea of moving Carpenter down in the lineup, and after Heyward batted leadoff for the Braves most of last season, there was some speculation that a major lineup change could be in order. But it now appears that the top three spots in Matheny’s batting order heading into 2015 will likely be vacated by Carpenter, Heyward, and Matt Holliday, and Matt Adams, Jhonny Peralta, and Yadier Molina will likely follow them in some order to make up the middle of the lineup.

The Cardinals will be looking for a little more power from Heyward, who last season hit just 11 home runs with a .271 average, out of the second spot. The 25-year-old is just two years removed from in season in which he blasted 27 homers with 82 RBIs and 30 doubles. Meanwhile, the club will expect Carpenter to remain a high OBP (on-base percentage) guy at the top of the lineup, despite his lack of base-stealing speed or much home run pop. Carpenter hit just 8 home runs in 2014 but led the team with a .375 OBP.

Read more reaction to Matheny’s comments from Viva El Birdos and Redbird Rants.

 

Feature image used under Creative Commons from Bruce Tuten. No changes made. Creative Commons License.