Is Skip Schumaker a lock to be the second baseman?
Just about, yes. It would take a very surprising opportunity at second base for the Cardinals to pursue something there. It wouldn’t be fair to Schumaker after all that he put in last year, and moreover, Schumaker’s bat plays much better at second base than at a corner outfield spot. 7. What young players might emerge in 2010? Freese may yet get a chance, but he hasn’t helped himself with his difficult offseason. Allen Craig is an intriguing bat, but something of a man without a position. Still, he impressed with his hitting last spring, and if he hits like that again this year in Jupiter, Fla., it will be tough to send him down. Jaime Garcia is coming off of injury, so the Cardinals will proceed cautiously with him, but it won’t be surprising if he contributes significantly. Relievers like Mitchell Boggs and Blake Hawksworth could also see much higher profiles in ’01. 8. What impact will Mark McGwire have as the hitting coach? For some hitters, he may well help. McGwire clearly has a
