Outfield
Like the infield before, St. Louis seems to have plenty of outfielders projected to break camp. This seems to indicate that Memphis will be the place for the reserves to grow in preparation to cover injuries or the like. As with many teams, the names listed below may well serve Memphis continually swapping outfield positions in response to the needs presenting in St. Louis.
Left Field- Carlos Peguero
I cannot wait to watch Peguero get a new start with the Cardinals organization. This good-hitter-today-prolific-hitter-tomorrow should find success this season with Memphis and may himself occupy the Memphis-to-St. Louis- shuttle from time to time should injury require. It would also not surprise me to see him make appearances at first base.
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Center Field- Charlie Tilson
While Tilson has yet to appear in AAA, and while Tilson has only appeared in AA for one season, I feel that 2016 is the time for Tilson to build his worth and talents in Memphis. Tilson’s minor league slash line over five season reports as .296/.346/.389. It is time for him to show his talents to AAA-level pitching.
Defensively, Tilson holds a .980 fielding percentage at center, a .935 percentage at right, and a .923 percentage at left. It will be fun to see him patrol center field in AutoZone Park this season.
Right Field- Jeremy Hazelbaker
I’ve had the personal privilege of watching Hazelbaker rake in AutoZone Park and cannot wait to continue this in 2016. Hazelbaker is very talented and he can certainly add to his value by having a great season in Memphis in 2016. I’m not entirely sold that he will board the Memphis-to-St. Louis-shuttle but this could well change if he appears at first in a few games.
AutoZone Park is not a huge outfield but does require players who are good movers since many AAA hitters are slap hitters. The three names above should be able to patrol these grassy confines with ease. I feel that the addition of Tilson is necessary as he adds a touch of speed that Hazelbaker may lack. Fans should look for fun this season in the green outfield!
Next: Rotation