Jon Jay Facing an Uphill Battle?

Edmonds' arrival would seem to further lengthen the odds for two youngsters to make the team. Allen Craig and Jon Jay began the winter as the projected starting tandem in right field. Now, neither is even a sure thing to be on the roster. Craig may have a better chance as a right-handed hitter and potential platoon partner for Berkman. It also helps that he can play the infield in a pinch.

Jay, though, could be facing an uphill battle. Although he's able to play center field, his left-handedness could cost him. That's because La Russa recently said that he's considering infielder Tyler Greene, a speedy right-handed hitter, as a potential backup option in center.

"One of the things you would look at would be a right-handed-hitting center fielder," La Russa said. "Because there's going to be a day or two where Colby, or anybody, is going to sit. And it probably makes sense for that day to be against a left-hander who's really difficult. So a right-handed-hitting center fielder. So we talked about Tyler maybe getting some at-bats out there. Spring Training, we're kind of creative about what we try down there, with a point to make. Nothing crazy. In Tyler's case, you may see him play some center field."

That would be bad news for Jay, whose strongest argument for being on the roster may be his ability to play center. Then again, if Edmonds isn't able to go, Jay might be in fine shape. It's all to be determined in what should be a very interesting camp for Redbirds outfielders.



(mlb.com)