[Grahoben]

2013 Preview: Batters

Catcher:
#4 Yadier Molina (30, R/R)- Yadier Molina is arguably the best defensive catcher in the MLB, and last season he proved that he could hit with career highs in home runs (22) and batting average (.315). Molina is signed through 2014, and he will certainly be a huge part of our team for many years.

First Base:
#21 Allen Craig (28, R/R)- Craig enjoyed a breakout season in 2012, as he received much more playing time due to the injury of current Texas Ranger Lance Berkman. Craig was one of the team leaders in RBI in 2012 (92), and can also play outfield in addition to first base.

Second Base:
#33 Daniel Descalso (26, L/R)- Second base has been one of the weaker positions for the Cardinals in recent years. Descalso has played in over 140 games in each of the last two years, but overall he does not have a whole lot to offer offensively. Matt Carpenter may play second once David Freese returns from injury.

Third Base:
#13 Matt Carpenter (27, L/R)- Carpenter played very well in his first full season in the majors, hitting a solid .295 and getting on base over 36% of the time. In addition to playing third, Carpenter is a decent second and first baseman.

Shortstop:
#38 Pete Kozma (24, R/R)- With the season-long injury of Rafael Furcal, young Pete Kozma will start out 2013 as the starting shortstop. Kozma never hit very well in the minor leagues, but in limited action at the end of last year, he had a great .333 batting average.

Left Field:
#7 Matt Holliday (33, R/R)- After being injury-prone in 2011, Holliday managed to play in all but five games last season. Once again, Holliday hit the ball very well, hitting .295 with 27 homers and 102 RBI.

Center Field:
#19 Jon Jay (28, L/L)- Despite not receiving much recognition, Jay has not hit below .297 since 2010. A solid center fielder, Jay will hit at the top of the order and will probably be one of our leading base stealers with his above average speed.

Right Field:

#3 Carlos Beltran (35, S/R)- Beltran surprised the baseball world last year by slugging 32 home runs. His hitting underwent a significant drop off in the second half, so he will receive more time off to keep him healthy.

Bench:
#46 C J.R. Towles (R/R)
#53 1B Matt Adams (L/R)
#12 IF Ty Wigginton (R/R)
#8 OF Justin Christian (R/R)
#43 OF Shane Robinson (R/R)

Injuries:
SS Rafael Furcal (season)
3B David Freese (one week)

vs. RHP
1. Jay CF
2. Carpenter 3B
3. Holliday LF
4. Craig 1B
5. Beltran RF
6. Molina C
7. Descalso 2B
8. Kozma SS

vs. LHP:
1. Jay CF
2. Beltran RF
3. Holliday LF
4. Craig 1B
5. Molina C
6. Wigginton 3B
7. Kozma SS
8. Carpenter 2B