JUPITER, Fla. -- One of the most talked about changes for the Cardinals this Spring Training has been the switch of Skip Schumaker from the outfield to second base. Joe Mather knows all about changing positions and the transition required.

"I don't think I've played the same position two years in a row, all the way back to high school," Mather said Friday before the Cardinals' split-squad nightcap against the Orioles at Roger Dean Stadium. "Outfield, third base, shortstop, first base, I've done them all. I'm almost more comfortable playing a different position every year."

Mather made his Major League debut last season with the Cardinals as an outfielder. But this spring, the organization is giving him some time at third base, too, because it's uncertain when Troy Glaus -- who had shoulder surgery in January -- will return. It certainly has not seemed to bother Mather's concentration at the plate. Mather, 26, entered Friday night's game against the Orioles with a Major League exhibition-leading 13 RBIs, including a two-run walk-off home run Thursday in St. Louis' 4-2 win against Boston. Mather said his first homer of the spring was extra special because he grew up in Idaho as a Red Sox fan.

"My dad's from Boston and there were no teams in Idaho, so I adopted his team," Mather said. "It was a great experience, and even though it's just Spring Training, walk-off home runs are fun no matter when it is -- especially since it came against the team I grew up rooting for. It's an unbelievable feeling."

Mather broke the hamate bone in his left hand last September, requiring surgery. But Mather said the hand is fine, and there's nothing he's done this spring that suggests otherwise. He didn't get his first hit of the spring until his third game, but had a triple and three RBIs on Feb. 28 against the Nationals that jump-started his spring RBI surge. On Tuesday, Mather went 2-for-4 with four RBIs. Mather said it doesn't matter where he plays as long as he makes the final roster when the Cardinals break camp.

"Last year was my first year up in St. Louis, and it was a great experience," Mather said. "During Spring Training, I've been focusing on third base more than anything with Troy out. For however long he's out, I have an opportunity to play [third base] some, and I'm trying to take advantage of it until he comes back."

Mather said he has not given much thought about the possibility of making the Opening Day roster. "I haven't really looked ahead that far," he said. "I'm just looking at it day by day. That'll be up to Tony [La Russa]."

The Cardinals manager said he's not surprised that Mather is enjoying a productive Spring Training at the plate.

"I was impressed with him last year," La Russa said. "I think he's got a chance to be a good player."

Mather downplays the fielding miscues Schumaker, who has made four errors, has experienced while making the adjustment to playing second base.

"We've talked a lot about how different the footwork is," Mather said of his chats with Schumaker. "Balls are coming at a completely different angle. It's a whole new world [at second base]. I think it's going to take time for both of us to get the feel for it. There's no doubt in my mind Skip can do it, and hopefully, with the work we put in, we both can do it. I think [errors are] going to be expected of both of us.

"Then again, it's Spring Training, so you put both of those together and I don't think [Schumaker's] had a bad spring. He's very intense and he's probably worked harder than anyone in camp."

Friday night, Mather started in left field for the Cardinals. Saturday, he could be at third base.

"I'd like to play the whole year up in St. Louis, whatever position it's going to be, and hopefully help us get to the playoffs," he said.