2015 Cardinals Position Players To Watch

Mar 5, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jason Heyward (22) at at bat during a spring training baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
I think this is an obvious one. All Cardinals fans will have their eyes peeled when this man comes up to bat. Heyward is not going to be in the leadoff role as that clearly belongs to Carpenter. This is a good thing for Heyward, as he has mentioned that it was not something that he particularly enjoyed and it opens him up to take more risks at the plate. It appears as though he will be slotted in the two hole in the lineup. This has been a spot in the lineup that has been needing an upgrade over the past few years. It will be interesting to see how well he does. .
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Though he has hit in a myriad of different spots in the lineup; the two hole likely has a bit of familiarity and comfort for Heyward. He has 793 AB in 203 career games in that spot in the order. He has hit .255 with 72 XBH (25 HR) and 78 RBI in this spot. This may not jump off the table as impressive for Cardinals fans, but one thing to remember though is he will be hitting between two really good hitters in Matt Carpenter and Matt Holliday. No offense to the Braves but they have not had this type of protection to surround him with. This will be a very interesting season for Heyward he has a lot to prove to both the Cardinals and the rest of the league. Can he be the same guy that hit 27 HR with 82 RBI and a .269 BA in 2012? I don’t think anyone expects that but if he can come close and provide the solid defense he is known for then look out because this team will soar if that happens.