Schumaker is going to get a good bit of work at second base this spring, not only to add depth to the club and versatility to his game for 2009, but to open up some possibilities in 2010 and beyond.
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"They just kind of mentioned it to me, threw it out there a little bit," Schumaker said. "They told me its Kennedy's job, and they expect him to come to Spring Training and it's his job. But they told me to be ready and take ground balls there. If it's a utility thing, where I take some balls here and there and also play the outfield, it's more valuable to the team."
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The long view for Schumaker, though, is a different situation. Kennedy's contract ends after 2009, and the Cardinals will need a second baseman at that time. No one is committing to the idea of Schumaker being that player, but it's easy to see the connection.
"I see this as going into the future," Schumaker said. "We have a guy [Kennedy] that's done it before. Everybody knows he's done it before. I know he's looking to rebound. I hit with him a few days a week. I know he's working hard and getting ready for spring also. But I do know his contract's up [after 2009] and I do know there could be an opportunity there for me."
Barring a trade of one of their outfielders, a position switch might be the most elegant solution to the Cards' glut.
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"There's a couple ways to look at it," said general manager John Mozeliak. "One is where he hits in the lineup. Two is how he performed last year. So if he could move that type of offensive production to second base, he'd definitely become more valuable, especially for a team that ultimately is deep in the outfield."
So Schumaker will be a very busy man this spring. He'll be working extra hours with coaches Jose Oquendo and Joe Pettini while also putting in his regular time in the outfield and at the plate.
"If I go there, I don't want to be bad there," Schumaker said. "I want to take it and do something with it. I don't want to be just adequate."