Pujols to left field

Cardinals Manager Tony Larussa is already shuffling his lineup, and the season hasn’t even started yet. Larussa has decided to play Albert Pujols in left field, and move Placido Polanco to third base. The move leaves the same offensive lineup intact–but strengthens the infield defense for now. Polanco is considered a good defensive third baseman–although his hitting is weak for that position. Pujols has struggled at third base this spring. Pujols was said to be uncomfortable with his move to third base, because he worried that Polanco would see less playing time as a left fielder. Polanco is likely to stay in the lineup more often as a regular third baseman, because the Cardinals have fewer options there.