What would a dream Cardinals starting lineup look like next season?
By Tim Boyle
2) Dream Cardinals starting lineup: Tommy Edman bats second, 2B
Tommy Edman gets to stay around in the dream Cardinals starting lineup. A superior fielder and useful offensive player to have as well, there’s no denying Turner is an upgrade at the plate. What Edman can help do is create even more chaos on the bases. He stole 30 bases in 2021 and another 32 in 2022. St. Louis will have two of the best thieves in the game at the very top of the order.
Edman is about exactly what one would want from a second baseman. He plays the position well. He hits with a little bit of power. He can run very well.
There is still potential for us to see even more from Edman. Last season was only his second as a full-time player. In a league where second basemen aren’t the most elite offensive player, Edman is one of the best. If things don’t work out, this dream Cardinals lineup can always summon Donovan from the bench to replace him.
3) Dream Cardinals starting lineup: Paul Goldschmidt bats third, 1B
The reigning National League MVP bats third in our dream Cardinals starting lineup. Who else would fit here better than first baseman Paul Goldschmidt? Late into 2022, it looked like he might even win a Triple Crown. He didn’t quite accomplish this yet clearly established himself as the runaway favorite to win the MVP. There’s always next season.
Goldschmidt does everything well. He even steals bases at a great rate. Since joining the Cardinals in 2019, he has been caught only once in 24 attempts.
It’s not his wheels that have him batting third, though. Goldschmidt is good for at least 30 home runs and 100 RBI. With Turner and Edman hitting in front of him, Goldy will have plenty of at-bats with runners in scoring position.