Skip Schumaker’s future in St. Louis

September 15, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Skip Schumaker (55) reacts after Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Shane Victorino (8) was called safe on a steal in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Skip Schumaker‘s future in St. Louis is looking a bit shaky. The emergence if Daniel Descalso, Pete Kozma, and prospects Kolten Wong and Oscar Taveras on the Cardinals radar have the veteran do-it-all as a possible odd man out.  Rumor has it, he may not be around in a Cardinals uniform by Opening Day 2013.

Should John Mozeliak and Mike Matheny feel that either Wong or Taveras are ready for major league action to start 2013, then it is very possible that Schumaker could be dealt. He most likely fits best with another National League club due to his versatility.

The return for a player of Schumaker’s age–33 by opening day–average hitting ability and little power, does not look to provide a very stunning return to say the least. However, that is not to say that the Cardinals couldn’t turn him into a more dependable third catcher than the newly signed Rob Johnson. They may also look to add some outfield depth with Carlos Beltran’s late season slide.

Matt Adams is another player on the Cardinals roster who may be blocked at first with the solid play of Allen Craig. If the Cards were looking for a better return, Adams may be the key to putting together a more attractive return package.

With the salary of Schumaker–$1.5M– compared to Descalso’s $495,000 and their comparable abilities, carrying both players on the roster may be redundant. Pete Kozma will probably see his fair share at shortstop and second base next season as well. If you mix Wong and Taveras into the 2013 roster equation that takes away even more playing time from Schumaker.

Schumaker always seems to come up with clutch hits and defensive plays when the game matters most. His hard nosed style of play and veteran leadership will be greatly missed in St. Louis if he is traded.

In my two years in Cardinal Nation Schumaker has become one of my favorite players, but maybe it’s best for the young prospects to take over.

What do you think? I invite you to leave your thoughts and comments below.