Cardinals Power Outage Changing in 15?

October 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter (13) is congratulated after hitting a two run home run in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the 2014 NLDS playoff baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Power, this was something I was constantly asking myself “where did it go?” After a home run starved regular season, the 2014 playoffs arrived with a bang and bombs were flying all over the place. Matt Carpenter had 4, Kolten Wong 3,  Matt Adams 3, and who can forget Oscar Taveras’ monster shot in the NLCS. 2015 is now here, pitchers and catchers officially report today and that feeling is getting real for Cardinal Nation. I’ve already ordered my MLB package so I can watch my redbirds from New Jersey soon as the spring training games begin. That being said, I do still worry about run production this year.

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In 2014, the starting pitching and bullpen were excellent with a team ERA of 3.50 and 4^th in the NL hits and runs allowed. The pitching was vital with keeping the team hanging around in many low scoring games last year. On the offensive side 105 is the most glaring number. 105 was the home run total last year leading with our new comer Jhonny Peralta, who had 21 and old faithful Matt Holliday had 20. Sadly, that was almost half of our total between the two. To put the lack of pop into perspective, Nelson Cruz hit 40 for the O’s and Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins had 37. Those two and a few others players singlehandedly hit a third or better of our teams total of 105.

My other issue is Matt Adams. Forgive me, I love him, Big City is awesome. I just don’t see him in the future as the full time first basemen. 15 long balls and 68 RBIs just doesn’t cut it for a starting corner infielder. Playing a full healthy season, surpassing 15 homers, and hitting lefties (.190 avg. / .231 obp.) are things I don’t see happening for him. If he passes those numbers and improves against left handed pitching, I’ll eat all my words gracefully. However, in no way do I believe the Cardinal’s offense will be worse then last year. Just saying having someone who pitchers fear throwing to due to the threat of going deep would be awesome. Maybe John Mozeliak will work some magic or Stephen Piscotty will light up spring training. Showing management he’s the future and adding some thunder in the Show.

Now that the negativity is aired out, this lineup simply has to be better. If Jason Heyward finds his stroke and shows that power he flashed in Atlanta he easily could be a 20/20 man. I’m also expecting a big season from Kolten Wong, with a real chance to reach double digit homers and over 20 stolen bases. The Matts, Holliday and Carpenter are as consistent as they come, and I’m feeling a bounce back year at the plate for Yadier Molina. I didn’t like the signing at first, but the Peralta move played out nicely and look forward to his play this year. Mike Matheny had another successful year under his belt and will continue to grow as our manager. I firmly believe we will have a better offensive season as long as we use our weapons to the best of their abilities. I want to hear your thoughts Cardinal Nation, you’re the backbone of this organization!