Mike Matheny Likely To Bat Jason Heyward Second

Not really a big surprise but it is interesting to see thoughts on the 2015 line-up start to form. Specifically, where Jason Heyward will be put in that 2015 lineup.

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According to Bill Baer of HardballTalk.com:

"Mike Matheny indicated that he could see recently-acquired outfielder Jason Heyward as “a ‘2’ or ‘3’ guy”, referring to his spot in the Cardinals’ lineup, per Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Matheny added, “I really like him in the ‘2’ hole.” Matt Carpenter will continue to lead off for the Cardinals, giving the club a formidable on-base threat at the top of the lineup."

Not bad, not bad! I’m not one to over do it or even do line-up analysis. But I do think having Heyward bat second is a good bet. If he finds his swing, he could move Matt Carpenter. Provide a buffer to Matt Holliday, so he can hit. Just a nice addition to the line up.

Heyward finished 2014 hitting .271/.351/.384 with 11 home runs and 58 RBI in 649 plate appearances. Not great. Hence the Braves perceived freedom to trade him for pitching. With the passing of Oscar Taveras, the Cardinals needed a nice, proven bat to step up and slide in to the right-fielder, hitter, leader, potential new fan favorite role.

I think Heyward has all the potential in the world. I think he has the potential to be a fan favorite of the Cardinals for years to come. He doesn’t replace what Oscar Taveras could have been to this organization. Heyward is his own person. He will be what Jason Heyward needs to be for the Cardinals.

For memory sake, or if you’ve not been paying attention this offseason, the Cardinals traded pitcher Shelby Miller and minor league pitcher Tyrell Jenkins to the Braves for Heyward and reliever Jordan Walden in November.