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St. Louis Cardinals: Evaluating the Position Player Roster Bubble

By Patrick Karraker

Mar 14, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Greg Garcia (35) attempts to throw out a Minnesota Twins base runner during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Twins defeated the Cardinals 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Greg Garcia (35) attempts to throw out a Minnesota Twins base runner during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Twins defeated the Cardinals 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /
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Greg Garcia St. Louis Cardinals
Mar 14, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Greg Garcia (35) attempts to throw out a Minnesota Twins base runner during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Twins defeated the Cardinals 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

Greg Garcia

Opening Day Roster Odds: 7/10

After a 1-for-10 start to the spring, Garcia has now gone 10 for his last 38 (.357), and even though he still doesn’t have any extra-base hits this spring, he appears to have a good chance at opening the season on the big-league roster as the second utility infielder behind Jedd Gyorko. At this point, Garcia’s strongest tool is definitely his versatility, as he’s seen time at third, second, and short this spring and could be a candidate to serve as a late-game defensive replacement considering the relative defensive shortcomings of both Ruben Tejada and Jedd Gyorko.

The only things that would keep Garcia off the opening 25-man roster would seem to be the club keeping either a fifth outfielder (or sixth, if you count Brandon Moss) or a 13th pitcher. Outfielders Jeremy Hazelbaker and Carlos Peguero are still in camp and pushing for bench spots, while relievers Dean Kiekhefer (unscored upon in six spring appearances) and Miguel Socolovich (1.50 ERA and 0.67 WHIP over six innings) also have yet to be optioned. All of those players still seem to be up against the eight ball when it comes to their roster odds, but it will be something to keep an eye on as the rest of the spring schedule plays out.

Next: Jeremy Hazelbaker

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