St. Louis Cardinals Best/Worst Case: Matt Holliday

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Oct 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday (7) is congratulated after he hits a three run home run in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game one of the 2014 NLDS playoff baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

My Prediction: Holliday turns in a very solid 2016, earns 2017 option in St. Louis

I see 20 home runs and 75 RBI as baseline expectations for Holliday this year. Anything less would be a disappointment, anything more would be a solid campaign.

Similarly, I think that if Holliday matches those numbers I just listed, he’s a lock to get that 2017 option. After another middling season offensively for the Cardinals, they won’t be able to afford letting a producer like Holliday walk away.

But, I think he hits the 20 home run mark easily, and blows by 75 RBI at the same time. An OBP around .380 for the seven-time All Star sounds about right.

I hope we see at least a little bit of Holliday at first base this spring, just to know whether or not moving him over there would be a realistic option.

If he has no feel for the spot, so be it. At least we know. If he can handle things over there (as I think he definitely could) that gives you a lot of options should Matt Adams and Brandon Moss falter at first base.

I used to always get worried watching Holliday track fly balls in left field. After last year, that worry is going to be amplified. I used to cringe and hope he’d catch the ball, now I will be cringing and hoping he doesn’t pop that quad again, whether he catches the ball or not.

Next: Best/Worst Case: Kolten Wong

I hope that Holliday comes out looking strong and fresh in left field… only time will tell.

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