St. Louis Cardinals: A potential playoff roster question looms

The St. Louis Cardinals are still toying with the hearts of their fans. Even with the playoff hopes looking much dimmer than a week ago the team still has a chance and that means questions about a playoff roster.

Even after a disappointing weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the St. Louis Cardinals still have playoff hopes. As crazy as it seems this team could still sneak their way into the second wildcard spot. Of course the Cardinals will have to win games but they will also need some help from the Colorado Rockies opponents.

It may seem odd to think about a team’s potential playoff roster before they have even made the playoffs. Given how up and down this season has gone, you’re probably right. Regardless, there will be countless different pieces and thoughts speculating on who should and shouldn’t make the playoff roster.

In this piece I will only be discussing one roster spot. That roster spot can go to one of two players, but no matter what, one of them has to be on any potential playoff roster. Those two players are Harrison Bader and Magneuris Sierra. The speedy youngsters who have at separate times become team favorites thanks to their timely hitting and top-notch speed.

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Outside of these two, the Cardinals do not have another player like them.

Yes, they have a glut of outfielders, yes, they have quick outfielders but these two are the only ones with next level speed.

This is nothing against Tommy Pham and Dexter Fowler, both of whom have very solid speed. Neither of them have the game changing speed that Bader and Sierra both provide.

In saying that either Bader or Sierra need to have a roster spot if a playoff appearance were to happen, there is an expectation that they would not see a ton of playing time.

Their uses would be as defensive substitution or pinch runners for the most part. The role would clearly be limited, but in a ninth inning situation where the tying or winning run is on base, Sierra and Bader are by far the best options.

Now, for concern that Bader or Sierra would have to take the roster spot of another useful player, don’t worry. The Cardinals would not have any need to carry a full bullpen in a playoff series, so Sierra or Bader wouldn’t hurt the team at all. Actually, giving Mike Matheny fewer options in the bullpen would probably go a long way into using the guys he has available to him in a smarter fashion. Ok, probably not, but we can all dream.

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Regardless, this is all conjecture. The team still has to win games and they still have to pass the Brewers and the Rockies for the second wild card spot. If somehow, this team is able to make their way into a play-in game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, one of Bader or Sierra has to be on the roster, no question.