
Batters
2B Tommy Edman
SS Paul DeJong
Pitcher
Bench: Matt Carpenter, Edmundo Sosa, Lane Thomas, Austin Dean, Andrew Knizner
There are so many different ways this lineup will look, so this is just a guess. For now, I see Tommy Edman leading off for the Cardinals in 2021 followed by Dylan Carlson. Now if Edman’s on-base hovers around .300 to .320, expect a change, as my colleague Matt Graves recently wrote about Dylan Carlson leading off by the end of the season.
Expect Lane Thomas to get some more opportunities under Mike Shildt. Thomas was one of the Cardinals hit with COVID-19, and the effects from the virus took a toll on his performance.
OF Lane Thomas is poised for an increased role with the @Cardinals this year, with Mike Shildt noting Thomas, 25, battled lingering effects of COVID-19 last season. Shildt praised Thomas' short stroke as evidence he can handle quality @MLB pitching. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 19, 2021
Mike Shildt and the Cardinals have some interesting decisions to make. I believe the talent and upside of some of the young pitchers will push the Cardinals to carry an eight-man bullpen and short bench. For now, I see Shildt starting off with O’Neill in left and Carlson in right, but I am intrigued by what Lane Thomas can provide.
These predictions are going to either be pretty close or completely off by a mile. Regardless, I am happy actual Spring Training games are drawing near!