Cardinals Roster 2015: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

The St. Louis Cardinals are an iconic baseball team steeped in history and tradition. For over 120 years, they have captivated fans with their exciting gameplay and unforgettable moments. In 2015, the Cardinals fielded a roster filled with both veteran leadership and promising young talent, embarking on a season that promised to be both memorable and successful. This article delves into the intricacies of the Cardinals roster for 2015, providing a comprehensive analysis of their players, positions, and key statistics. By exploring their strengths and weaknesses, we gain a deeper understanding of the team's dynamics and their ultimate performance on the field.

Infield

The Cardinals' infield was a formidable force in 2015, featuring a blend of power and defensive prowess.

First Base: Matt Carpenter

Carpenter emerged as a versatile player in 2015, transitioning seamlessly between first base and third base. His exceptional contact skills and ability to get on base were instrumental in the Cardinals' success. Carpenter batted .305 with 15 home runs and 57 RBIs.

Second Base: Kolten Wong

Wong's speed and defensive agility made him a valuable asset at second base. He recorded an impressive .986 fielding percentage and contributed 13 stolen bases. At the plate, Wong batted .256 with 5 home runs and 55 RBIs.

Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta

Peralta brought a wealth of experience to the Cardinals' infield, having won a Gold Glove Award in 2010. His steady presence and reliable defense provided stability to the infield. Peralta batted .312 with 17 home runs and 75 RBIs.

Third Base: Matt Holliday

Holliday, a veteran of 12 seasons, was the Cardinals' designated hitter and occasional third baseman. His power and leadership were pivotal in guiding the team throughout the season. Holliday batted .293 with 21 home runs and 91 RBIs.

Outfield

The Cardinals' outfield was a mix of speed, power, and defensive excellence.

Left Field: Matt Holliday

In addition to his role at third base, Holliday also filled in as the primary left fielder. His experience and power hitting made him a valuable asset in all outfield positions.

Center Field: Randal Grichuk

Grichuk's blazing speed and strong arm made him an exceptional center fielder. He covered a lot of ground, recording a 3.1 defensive WAR. At the plate, Grichuk batted .276 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs.

Right Field: Jason Heyward

Heyward, a former All-Star, brought his defensive prowess and power bat to the Cardinals' outfield. His 7.4 defensive WAR was the highest among outfielders in the National League. Heyward batted .293 with 13 home runs and 72 RBIs.

Catchers

Yadier Molina

Molina, a nine-time Gold Glove winner, was the undisputed leader of the Cardinals' pitching staff. His exceptional game-calling and defensive skills made him one of the best catchers in baseball history. At the plate, Molina batted .270 with 10 home runs and 80 RBIs.

Tony Cruz

Cruz served as Molina's backup and provided a solid defensive presence behind the plate. He threw out 40% of attempted base stealers and batted .283 with 6 home runs and 35 RBIs.

Starting Pitchers

Adam Wainwright

Wainwright, a four-time All-Star, was the Cardinals' ace and a key figure in their rotation. He pitched 208.1 innings with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Wainwright won 20 games and finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting.

Lance Lynn

Lynn was a consistent performer throughout the 2015 season, pitching 200 innings with a 3.03 ERA. He won 12 games and finished with a 1.10 WHIP.

Michael Wacha

Wacha, a former Rookie of the Year, struggled with injuries in 2015 but still managed to make 29 starts. He pitched 155.1 innings with a 4.04 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP.

John Lackey

Lackey, a veteran pitcher, provided the Cardinals with a solid innings-eater. He pitched 183.1 innings with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP.

Jaime Garcia

Garcia, the Cardinals' fifth starter, had an up-and-down season. He pitched 165 innings with a 4.68 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP.

Relief Pitchers

Trevor Rosenthal

Rosenthal, the Cardinals' closer, was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball. He converted 48 out of 52 save opportunities and had a 2.10 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP.

Kevin Siegrist

Siegrist, a left-handed reliever, emerged as a reliable setup man. He pitched 63.2 innings with a 2.60 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP.

Jonathan Broxton

Broxton, a veteran reliever, provided a solid middle relief presence. He pitched 68 innings with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP.

Seth Maness

Maness, a right-handed reliever, was a versatile arm that could pitch in multiple roles. He pitched 64 innings with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP.

Key Statistics

The Cardinals' 2015 roster boasted several impressive individual performances:

• Yadier Molina: 22.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR)
• Adam Wainwright: 6.9 WAR
• Matt Holliday: 5.5 WAR
• Jhonny Peralta: 5.2 WAR
• Trevor Rosenthal: 3.7 WAR

Strengths

• Strong infield defense: The Cardinals had one of the best infield defenses in baseball, with Carpenter, Wong, and Peralta forming a solid foundation.
• Power hitting: The Cardinals had multiple players with significant power potential, including Holliday, Peralta, and Heyward.
• Reliable bullpen: The Cardinals' bullpen was one of the strongest in the National League, with Rosenthal leading the way.

Weaknesses

• Starting pitching injuries: Several Cardinals starters, including Wacha and Lackey, dealt with injuries throughout the season.
• Lack of consistency: The Cardinals struggled to maintain a consistent level of play throughout the season and often went through stretches of inconsistency.
• Defensive lapses in the outfield: The Cardinals' outfielders occasionally made costly defensive mistakes that impacted the outcome of games.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Cardinals roster for 2015 can help you make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes when playing fantasy baseball or watching games.

• Overestimating the Cardinals' starting pitching: While the Cardinals had several talented starters, their injury concerns and inconsistency should be considered when evaluating their pitching staff.
• Undervaluing the Cardinals' bullpen: The Cardinals' bullpen was a major strength in 2015 and played a pivotal role in the team's success.
• Ignoring the Cardinals' defensive lapses: The Cardinals' outfielders made several costly mistakes in 2015, which can impact their overall performance.

FAQs

Q: Who was the Cardinals' most valuable player in 2015?
A: Yadier Molina, with a WAR of 22.3

Q: How many games did the Cardinals win in 2015?
A: 100

Q: Did the Cardinals make it to the playoffs in 2015?
A: Yes, they lost in the National League Division Series to the Chicago Cubs.

Q: Who was the Cardinals' starting shortstop in 2015?
A: Jhonny Peralta

Q: How many home runs did Matt Holliday hit in 2015?
A: 21

Q: What was Adam Wainwright's ERA in 2015?
A: 3.00

Q: Who was the Cardinals' closer in 2015?
A: Trevor Rosenthal

Q: How many saves did Trevor Rosenthal have in 2015?
A: 48

Conclusion

The St. Louis Cardinals' roster in 2015 was a complex and dynamic group of players. With a blend of veteran leadership and young talent, the Cardinals had the potential to be a contending team. However, injuries and inconsistency prevented them from reaching their full potential. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Cardinals' roster, we can gain valuable insights into the team's performance and make informed decisions when playing fantasy baseball or watching games.