In 2013, I wrote an article about Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams, as he was in the beginning stages of his pro career. In that same article, I stated the following: “Matt Adams has the potential to become a true power hitter in his career…”
Interesting…
It’s safe to say that so far, he is off to a very good start, and his bat has only heated up more as the 2014 season has progressed. Since coming back from the disabled list on June 13th, Adams has been on fire. He’s hit five home runs (two of them alone coming in the June 23rd game against the Rockies), 16 RBI’s, seven runs, and 13 total hits. In that same time-span, he’s only walked once and struck out four times.
Adams has developed a lot higher plate awareness, meaning he has been more patient and aware at the plate as opposed to when he first started out. Which is typical as a player progresses over time and begins to develop more. His .328 average leads all Cardinals, and that goes with his eight home runs and 31 RBI’s so far this season.
He isn’t just a power hitter, he’s actually an underrated athlete in general. Adams possesses good speed, has really quick agility while playing first base, and is able to beat defensive shifts while up to bat.
On June 23rd against the Rockies, and in addition to the two home runs Adams hit (one a solo shot, the other being a two-run home run), he got six RBI’s (which is a career high for him), and went 3-5 overall. One of those hits was a two-run single in the third inning. Adams hit .600 in the game as well.
The Cardinals overall completely dominated Colorado with Lance Lynn on the mound, as Lynn pitched eight innings, only allowing three hits and no runs. With help from the offense, namely Adams, Matt Holliday, and Jhonny Peralta, the Cardinals won the game 8-0 in a blow-out effort.
St. Louis has a roster mixed up with young stars ready to shine, and veterans with their potential and abilities already proven. And Matt Adams is in the center of it, being in the heart of the order in the Cardinals’ lineup, a spot very fitting for him, as he is surrounded by young and veteran talent, and is able to capitalize on the consistency of the top of the lineup, and provide a spark to help the bottom of the lineup.
Adams is not only the first Cardinals first baseman to have at least six RBI in a game since Albert Pujols knocked in seven runs in 2009, he also had his third career multi-home run game, but it was his first overall this season.
With the Cardinals chasing down the Brewers as they try to reach first place in the NL Central, Adams will have as big an impact in the long run as he has had already.
To have a young, future slugger on the team is a very good advantage for the Cardinals. If there is one team in sports that is great when it comes to developing talent for the future, it’s the St. Louis Cardinals. And Matt Adams is another developmental product from the strong farm system the organization has.
The second year pro, now namely known as “Big City” has made his presence felt in St. Louis, and will be a staple of the team for years to come. He has nowhere to go but up as his career, and Cardinal Nation should be glad to have him on the Cardinals, because he brings power, defensive skills, and lots of athleticism to the plate and field.
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
