Cardinals Beyond the starting eight: Infielders

August 29, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal (15) tags out Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) on a steal attempt during the fifth inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-0. Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

The Cardinals infield will have returning starters Allen Craig at first, Rafael Furcal at shortstop and David Freese at third.

Second will be up in the air in Jupiter, Florida. Daniel Descalso, Pete Kozma, Kolten Wong and Skip Schumaker will all have the chance to win the starting job out of spring training.

Descalso spent the most time there of the group last year. I think it comes down to him and Kozma as the current roster stands.

Barring a trade, Schumaker will once again be on the bench, with any of the three also getting middle infield playing time. Descalso and Kozma could also see some time at shortstop and third if the need were to arise.

The infield easily has the least depth on the Cardinals roster and GM John Mozeliak is known to be looking for middle infield help.

Given Furcal’s elbow injury, which has been said to be 100 percent by team doctors, shortstop seems to be the most pressing need.

Yesterday at Redbird Rants, staff writer Marilyn Green floated Scott Hairston as a possible name. He would fit the need for a infielder/outfielder off the bench that the Cardinals desperately need. He would also provide some pop off the bench, hitting .247, 20 home runs last year with the New York Mets.

Kolten Wong will probably start the year in AAA Memphis to get regular playing time and see how he adjusts at the next level.

There are limited options internally beyond the names mentioned and the Cardinals may not be very active on the free agent front this winter.

Who do you see in the infield mix for the Cardinals this coming season? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.