If you are determined to make 2015 the reason Carpenter is questionable outside of a leadoff role, so be it. But there are complicating factors that seem to have faded over time. Carpenter had hit behind Kolten Wong for a month before he entered the deep freeze. He had attempted to redefine his swing upon descending in the order. He was both trying to make up for the absence of Matt Holliday (strained quadriceps), and facing tougher pitching due to Holliday's absence. Carpenter was battling some serious physical complications. He was sidelined by exhaustion and an accelerated heartbeat at one point. The Cardinals even had to fine him for showing up at the ballpark too early. Switching back to leadoff might have helped free him, but no one can say hitting second started all of that.