Luken Baker in spring training (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The St. Louis Cardinals have promoted Luken Baker, a power hitting first baseman from Triple-A Memphis. In a corresponding move catcher Tres Barrera has been waived.
Cardinals Promote Luken Baker at Last
The Cardinals seemingly came to their senses and gave the imposing 6’4″ 280-pound first baseman the call up. He has been blocked in the majors by Paul Goldschmidt but Baker’s recent performance has forced the front office to take notice.
Baker has quite simply been destroying baseballs in Triple-A this year. Currently he is sitting on a .313/.434/.641 slash line with 18 homeruns and 58 runs batted in. He might not be able sustain the high batting average, but the pure power is undeniable. It was long overdue for the Cardinals to promote Luken Baker. He could be the spark the Cardinals need to help right the ship.
Many have been calling for the Cardinals to promote Baker after his hot start in Memphis. The desire to give Baker a shot is understandable with the poor production the team has gotten from the fifth and sixth spots in the order. The roster spot held by Barrera has been a statistical black hole as well.
Questionable Roster Decisions
Many have questioned the Cardinals roster decisions from day one. When Paul DeJong started the season on the IL they chose to have journeyman utility infielder Taylor Motter on the roster rather than Juan Yepez. Yepez is a much better hitter, but they chose a more versatile and better defender in Motter. Even though it was viewed by many as the wrong decision there was at least some logic behind it. Yepez got to see every day at bats in Triple-A and the major league squad had someone to take over the utility man role until Dejong got back.
The Cardinals decided to promote Baker after placing backup catcher Barrera on waivers. The decision to carry a third catcher is one that few fans could get behind. The need arose when the team decided to take catching duties away from Contreras until he and the pitching staff could get on the same page. The move made sense while that scenario unfolded but it only lasted a week. Barrera saw hardly any playing time while players like top prospect Jordan Walker and the slugging Baker were mashing baseballs in the minors.
Opportunity Knocks
The Cardinals desperately need some of their young talent to step up and take the job. Baker’s performance in Memphis has earned him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. If he makes the most out of this chance to prove himself, he could find himself getting regular at bats at DH. The Cardinals lineup needs a boost, and he may be exactly what they need.
