7 players who should be entering their final days on the Cardinals

Matt Carpenter

For as much criticism as the Cardinals got for bringing in Matt Carpenter this offseason, he's actually done as much as they could have expected from him this year.

Posting a .700 OPS in 126 at-bats is not something to celebrate, but it has provided value for the club. Honestly, if the Cardinals were not already so left-handed bat and corner infielder heavy, they probably would have given Carpenter more at-bats during the year. His fit on the roster was a bit awkward, and because of that, I do not see why they need a return of Carpenter next year.

I understand that he has provided veteran leadership as well and that can be valuable, but thinking ahead to next year's roster, there are already names on the Cardinals' roster that would provide better production and fit better from a roster construction side of things.

Luken Baker, for example, would be a much better fit on the roster due to his ability to hit left-handed pitching and give the Cardinals another right-handed option. The Cardinals could also easily pursue a right-handed bat via trade or free agency for this role as well.

Carpenter's lack of defensive versatility makes it hard to justify him on the roster again next season. He can't really play any position other than first base anymore, and with Alec Burleson on the roster as a left-handed first base/corner outfield option, there is not room for two of those players going forward, if the Cardinals want to maximize their roster.

Hey, maybe there is a coaching role to be had, as Burleson, for example, has already credited Carpenter this season for helping him grow as a player. But from a 26-man roster perspective, Carpenter's time should be done.