Hot Stove: If not Jason Heyward then who?

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Oct 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) makes a catch during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in game four of the NLDS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Dexter Fowler – OF

Man, I really hope we aren’t at the point where Dexter is one of our options. However, Fowler isn’t that bad of an option. He has done decent this season in Chicago, with a .250/.346/.411 line, and a slightly disappointing OPS of .757. The most impressive statistic for Fowler is the 84 walks. The impressive patience would go nicely on a team where the strikeout became a problem at times.

However, Fowler has yet to play in a pitcher’s park like Busch Stadium for a long period of time, coming from Houston and having started his career in Colorado, and his home/road splits are unbecoming to him and whatever power potential he may have. Although the stolen base factor does come with Fowler like we have with Heyward, as Fowler has 114 stolen bases in his career. Not a bad replacement, just not who I would want to replace Heyward.

Like I said, I hope this is all for naught and that the Cardinals do what it takes to sign Jason Heyward. But, it is important to start thinking about who could potentially replace him. Who would you like to see replace Heyward, if the Cardinals are in fact unable to get Heyward back?

Next: St. Louis Cardinals Season Review: What now?

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