Predicting the Memphis Redbirds’ Opening Day Roster

Apr 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Greg Garcia (12) hits a double against the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium. The hit was his first major league hit. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Infielders (6): Xavier Scruggs, Dean Anna, Scott Moore, Greg Garcia, Aledmys Diaz, Jacob Wilson

Scruggs, a righthanded hitter who has struggled to hit for contact during most of his professional career, is playing for his big-league livelihood after the Cardinals signed Mark Reynolds to fill the righthanded-hitting backup first baseman role this offseason. Scruggs will have to make a quality impression in order to position himself for a call-up once again.

Anna, Garcia, Diaz, and Wilson could form a platoon in the middle infield. At first glance, it would make sense to have Anna and Garcia, both lefthanded hitters, play against righty pitchers, while Wilson and Diaz, two righthanded hitters, could form the double-play combo against lefties. Wilson could also see time at third base and left field, while Ty Kelly, the club’s most sensical option as their primary left fielder, will conversely get some time at second base. With most PCL games featuring a designated hitter, that avenue will exist for the extra players to get at-bats as well.

Moore, a former big-leaguer who has had a surprisingly long stay in major-league camp this spring, will likely get a good amount of playing time at third base and could shift over to first if the team feels inclined to give Xavier Scruggs some action in the outfield, where he saw time this spring.

Next: Outfielders