Matt Carpenter's power production and ability to drive in runs suggest he should be a middle-of-the-order hitter for the St. Louis Cardinals.

His career splits as a No. 3 hitter versus leading off or batting second say something else.

So does his .177 average to start the year, which is one reason why manager Mike Matheny bumped him up to second for Friday night's 4-2 win over the struggling Cincinnati Reds. While Carpenter was just 1-for-5, he hit the ball hard more than once, as was the case during a two-game series this week with the Chicago Cubs at frigid Wrigley Field in which he hit third.