Now that the Minor League seasons are wrapping, I figured I would toss together a top ten prospect list
1) Colby Rasmus: He had a down year and may not be St Louis bound just yet, but he is still among the top 5 prospects in the game
2) Brett Wallace: Am I jumping on the bandwagon too quickly? Had he not made AA, I would say yes. However, he has made it to Springfield and he keeps hitting---367 and 1109 OPS. Colby's spot is very shaky!
3) Daryl Jones: A breakout season can boost a prospect's status. Such is the case here. Jones is the 2nd best 5 tool guy we have. He has 20-20 written all over him. I would compare him to Curtis Granderson/a poor man's Griffey----seriously!
4) Jess Todd: With Garcia and Perez up to the Lou, he becomes the de facto top pitching prospect. That's not to say he has not earned it. He pitched very well at 3 stops this year with more than 130 Ks.
5) Bryan Anderson: Some are jumping off this bandwagon, but there is little reason to do so. He is still hitting---383 at Springfield, 281 at Memphis. If he can hit 10-15 HR/season, he is still a stud prospect.
6) Peter Kozma: He is developing somewhat slowly with the bat, but he is a very legit SS prospect. I expect him to be next year's Daryl Jones.
7) Clayton Mortensen: His style is very conducive to the organization. That's why he makes the top 10. The numbers need to improve next year to stay there.
8) Jason Motte: He is now a big leaguer for all intents and purposes. 110 K in 66 IP is filthy! I believe he will turn into a nice bullpen piece in the bigs next year.
9) David Freese: When you hit 26 HR with a 306 average in AAA, you get noticed. Remember, this guy skipped AA. He may be the 3B of the future unless...
10) Allen Craig: This guy gets there first. He hit 304 with 22 HR in AA. Either way, with Freese, Craig, and Wallace, we look set at 3B.
Honorable Mentions:
Mitch Boggs: Very solid in AAA
Jon Jay: Added a little power to a high batting average
Tyler Herron: A slight step back this year, but still could be a #3-4 starter
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ballpark Village
When the plans for New Busch Stadium first became public, one of the great selling points, as is the case with all new stadiums, was the economic impact that the stadium will have on the city. It was supposedly going to bring
The project, which has hit various snags and delays over the last few years, has become somewhat of a joke to various Cardinals fans, who have coined the term “
The project is said to be able to provide 3,000 construction jobs and 2,000 new, permanent jobs to the area. The numbers sound pretty optimistic to me. However, if all goes to plan and the development covers its eight acres with retail space, the numbers could be feasible. The only question remains is---when? With the All-Star Game slated for
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A Look through the System
Now that the Cubs have Harden and the Brewers Sabathia, what should the Cards do? Tony wants help! I say stay the course...for the most part. Either way, let's take a glance at what we may have to offer and let's look at some other prospects.
Untouchables:
Colby Rasmus---We know the story. It seems like he has been around forever.
Jaime Garcia----Now that Mulder is done and Jaime is on his way up, let's give him a shot. He would look nice as our #3-4 for the next decade
Top Chips with which to play:
Bryan Anderson--The guy can flat hit (383 in AA, 327 in AAA this year) and he will never be the starting catcher in St Louis. We may as well make him the top piece in any deal
Jess Todd---He has been our fastest riser this year. He could be a stalwart in the Cards or anybody's rotation. Maybe we should deal him while his stock is sky high (Futures Game)
Shane Robinson---If Rasmus can't push his way on to the big club, nor will Robinson. Why not trade this guy who hit 352 in AA this year? His value will never be higher, but he can not be the centerpiece of a blockbuster.
Clayton Mortensen--He is a Dave Duncan pitcher (ie---sinker!!). That is why I would put Todd ahead of him in trade-ability. He still has some very nice value.
David Freese---I would put him at #3 (behind Allen Craig and Brett Wallace) as far as our 3B of the future line goes. However, a line of 277, 24, and 47 halfway through the AAA season looks very tradeable.
Jon Jay--He has a sweet stroke that could stick as a CF in the bigs. Problem is---Colby Rasmus. His power boost (11 HR) this year make him even more enticing. I think he could be a nice #2 piece in a solid deadline deal.
Next Year Trade Deadline???:
Brett Wallace---He will hit, but can he field? If not, he will be on another roster within 2 years
Daryl Jones---This guy is boosting his prospect status every day.
Tyler Herron---He is a nice prospect, but his ceiling is lower than his production. That could mean a trade for a team that suddenly has a boat load of similar prospects.
Arnoldi Cruz---Is he a Catcher or 3b? Who cares---he has hit fairly consistently. If he sticks behind the plate, he could be a very good prospect in 2 years.
Untouchables:
Colby Rasmus---We know the story. It seems like he has been around forever.
Jaime Garcia----Now that Mulder is done and Jaime is on his way up, let's give him a shot. He would look nice as our #3-4 for the next decade
Top Chips with which to play:
Bryan Anderson--The guy can flat hit (383 in AA, 327 in AAA this year) and he will never be the starting catcher in St Louis. We may as well make him the top piece in any deal
Jess Todd---He has been our fastest riser this year. He could be a stalwart in the Cards or anybody's rotation. Maybe we should deal him while his stock is sky high (Futures Game)
Shane Robinson---If Rasmus can't push his way on to the big club, nor will Robinson. Why not trade this guy who hit 352 in AA this year? His value will never be higher, but he can not be the centerpiece of a blockbuster.
Clayton Mortensen--He is a Dave Duncan pitcher (ie---sinker!!). That is why I would put Todd ahead of him in trade-ability. He still has some very nice value.
David Freese---I would put him at #3 (behind Allen Craig and Brett Wallace) as far as our 3B of the future line goes. However, a line of 277, 24, and 47 halfway through the AAA season looks very tradeable.
Jon Jay--He has a sweet stroke that could stick as a CF in the bigs. Problem is---Colby Rasmus. His power boost (11 HR) this year make him even more enticing. I think he could be a nice #2 piece in a solid deadline deal.
Next Year Trade Deadline???:
Brett Wallace---He will hit, but can he field? If not, he will be on another roster within 2 years
Daryl Jones---This guy is boosting his prospect status every day.
Tyler Herron---He is a nice prospect, but his ceiling is lower than his production. That could mean a trade for a team that suddenly has a boat load of similar prospects.
Arnoldi Cruz---Is he a Catcher or 3b? Who cares---he has hit fairly consistently. If he sticks behind the plate, he could be a very good prospect in 2 years.
Monday, June 30, 2008
10-2
Who would have thought that Kyle Lohse would be perhaps the best signing of the offseason...for any time? Maybe that's an overstatement, but I am not so sure anymore. Tonight he threw 7 innings and gave up a single (unearned) run. That puts him at 10-2. Without hesitation, he is the reason, along with Ryan Ludwick, that the Cardinals are in a pennant race. There is no reason to believe that Lohse will miss the All Star cut. I believe that he, Ludwick, and Pujols all deserve the call this year. Either way, 48 wins going into July is pretty darn good. I am a believer now. Why not? This team might regress back to the mean, but they could improve. Mulder threw a scoreless inning tonight. Clement did the same in AAA. Who knows, maybe they are the answers to the mounting bullpen questions. Now to the scores...
Bigs
7-1W
Notables:
Kyle Lohse---7 IP, 5 H, 4 K, 1 R
Chris Duncan---HR
Albert Pujols---2 for 5, 2 RBI....Ho hum
Troy Glaus---2 for 3, RBI, R (This guy has really come around; good pick up)
Memphis
3-3 (10TH)
Notables:
Bryan Anderson---2 for 3, 2B, 3B
PJ Walters----5 IP, 2 ER, 5 K
Springfield
5-4 W
Notables:
Allen Craig---2 for 4, 3 RBI
Andrew Brown---2 for 3, R, BB (Under the radar guy to keep a close eye on!!!)
Tyler Greene--3 for 4 (Mr Tools needs to have more of these games)
Fernando Salas---2 ER, 2 IP, 3 K! (Might be the fastest riser in the organization)
Palm Beach
4-3W
Notables:
Tyler Norrick----7 K, 5 IP
Quad Cities
17-4 L
Notables:
?????
Batavia
5-0W
Notables:
Scott Gorgen---3IP, 5 K (Perhaps my favorite pick this year; He could be a fast riser a la Jess Todd)
Beau Riportella---3 for 4
Blake Murphy---2 for 4, HR, 2RBI (Interesting prospect here; May be worth a watch)
Johnson City
4-3 L
Notables:
Ivan Castro---2 for 3, HR, 2 RBI (Another catcher with some potential)
Looking through these scores, I find that our catching prospects are getting a lot of the print. Here is a quick breakdown:
1) Bryan Anderson: He is the top catcher in the organization and one of the top 5 in minor league baseball. He will get a lot of Joe Mauer comparisons. He has a nice stroke, but lacks power. Hopefully, he can develop into a 10-15 HR guy. That would give him maximum value.
2) Arnoldi Tony Cruz: He has made the switch from 3rd to Catcher, although he still does play some 3rd too. His bat just keeps him here. That would be a great bat for a catcher.
3) Ivan Castro: Although a very small sample size, you gotta like what is here.
4) Blake Murphy: This guy could be a draft steal. His collegiate numbers suggest a very versatile player with plus plus tools for a catcher.
5) Luis De La Cruz: He is playing over his head a bit this year, but he has some serious potential. Give it time.
Others to watch:
Brandon Yarbrough
Nick Derba
Bigs
7-1W
Notables:
Kyle Lohse---7 IP, 5 H, 4 K, 1 R
Chris Duncan---HR
Albert Pujols---2 for 5, 2 RBI....Ho hum
Troy Glaus---2 for 3, RBI, R (This guy has really come around; good pick up)
Memphis
3-3 (10TH)
Notables:
Bryan Anderson---2 for 3, 2B, 3B
PJ Walters----5 IP, 2 ER, 5 K
Springfield
5-4 W
Notables:
Allen Craig---2 for 4, 3 RBI
Andrew Brown---2 for 3, R, BB (Under the radar guy to keep a close eye on!!!)
Tyler Greene--3 for 4 (Mr Tools needs to have more of these games)
Fernando Salas---2 ER, 2 IP, 3 K! (Might be the fastest riser in the organization)
Palm Beach
4-3W
Notables:
Tyler Norrick----7 K, 5 IP
Quad Cities
17-4 L
Notables:
?????
Batavia
5-0W
Notables:
Scott Gorgen---3IP, 5 K (Perhaps my favorite pick this year; He could be a fast riser a la Jess Todd)
Beau Riportella---3 for 4
Blake Murphy---2 for 4, HR, 2RBI (Interesting prospect here; May be worth a watch)
Johnson City
4-3 L
Notables:
Ivan Castro---2 for 3, HR, 2 RBI (Another catcher with some potential)
Looking through these scores, I find that our catching prospects are getting a lot of the print. Here is a quick breakdown:
1) Bryan Anderson: He is the top catcher in the organization and one of the top 5 in minor league baseball. He will get a lot of Joe Mauer comparisons. He has a nice stroke, but lacks power. Hopefully, he can develop into a 10-15 HR guy. That would give him maximum value.
2) Arnoldi Tony Cruz: He has made the switch from 3rd to Catcher, although he still does play some 3rd too. His bat just keeps him here. That would be a great bat for a catcher.
3) Ivan Castro: Although a very small sample size, you gotta like what is here.
4) Blake Murphy: This guy could be a draft steal. His collegiate numbers suggest a very versatile player with plus plus tools for a catcher.
5) Luis De La Cruz: He is playing over his head a bit this year, but he has some serious potential. Give it time.
Others to watch:
Brandon Yarbrough
Nick Derba
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Boston Blue Sox
The Red Sox had lost just 1 series at home this year. Now they have lost 2. After the Cards took a 2nd game on Saturday (and quite handily I might add), they became the 2nd team to handle the Sox in Fenway this year.
Bigs
9-3 W
A hit parade!!
Glaus, Miles and Ankiel each homered with Troy's being a Grand Salami
Boggs threw a very solid 5.1
McLellan had 4 Ks against 5 batters
Izzy threw 1 scoreless
Memphis
8-5 L
Jaime Garcia got the start and struggled---3 ER in 5 IP and 3 WP
Rasmus and Anderson each had a hit in 5 AB
Springfield
8-1L
Rough night for one of my favorites--Tyler Herron
Herron gave up 7 ER in 6 IP with 2 K, 2BB, and 3 HBP---OUCH!!
Jon Jay goes 2-4. He is suddenly our hottest prospect and should find himself in AAA sooner rather than later.
Palm Beach
Off
Quad Cities
4-2 L
Josh Wilson started and threw 6: 7 H, 2 R 1 ER 5 K (He hasn't done much since being a 1st rounder, but he is still young and his numbers are pretty good this year)
Tommy Pham had another Tommy Pham night: A HR and 3 Ks
Batavia
7-5W
Blake Murphy goes 3-4, a single double triple and BB (A mid round Catcher to keep an eye on)
Lance Lynn throws 2 scoreless
Note: This is the team to watch if you want to see a who's who among the Cards draft. Names to watch include Lynn, Murphy, Colt Sedbrook, Chris Swauger, Xavier Scruggs, Shane Peterson, and Jermaine Curtis. Like I said---a who's who
Johnson City
7-6W
Nico Vasquez goes 2-5(Keep this name in mind; he could be good)
Bigs
9-3 W
A hit parade!!
Glaus, Miles and Ankiel each homered with Troy's being a Grand Salami
Boggs threw a very solid 5.1
McLellan had 4 Ks against 5 batters
Izzy threw 1 scoreless
Memphis
8-5 L
Jaime Garcia got the start and struggled---3 ER in 5 IP and 3 WP
Rasmus and Anderson each had a hit in 5 AB
Springfield
8-1L
Rough night for one of my favorites--Tyler Herron
Herron gave up 7 ER in 6 IP with 2 K, 2BB, and 3 HBP---OUCH!!
Jon Jay goes 2-4. He is suddenly our hottest prospect and should find himself in AAA sooner rather than later.
Palm Beach
Off
Quad Cities
4-2 L
Josh Wilson started and threw 6: 7 H, 2 R 1 ER 5 K (He hasn't done much since being a 1st rounder, but he is still young and his numbers are pretty good this year)
Tommy Pham had another Tommy Pham night: A HR and 3 Ks
Batavia
7-5W
Blake Murphy goes 3-4, a single double triple and BB (A mid round Catcher to keep an eye on)
Lance Lynn throws 2 scoreless
Note: This is the team to watch if you want to see a who's who among the Cards draft. Names to watch include Lynn, Murphy, Colt Sedbrook, Chris Swauger, Xavier Scruggs, Shane Peterson, and Jermaine Curtis. Like I said---a who's who
Johnson City
7-6W
Nico Vasquez goes 2-5(Keep this name in mind; he could be good)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Bringing Up Bryan
Maybe I'm crazy, but I think it's time. It's time for Bryan Anderson to be elevated to the bigs (if Yadi is DL'ed that is). He has hit 320 with Memphis this year. His bat has a ton of upside. Why not bring him up and let him play everyday if Yadi is out for an extended period? Then we will see what we have in his bat. Perhaps, a Spring look at 2nd Base would then be in order. Like I said, what's the worst that could happen?
Games:
Cards
7-6 Winner
It was a doozy. Yadi could miss substantial time, but he saved the game with his plate blocking antics. A couple of Phillie errors later and we have 42 wins. 42 wins? Wow! Who would have thunk it....
Good days at the dish for Ankiel and Glaus
Springfield
3-1L
Josh Dew K'd 2 in 1 IP. That's about it. His Palm Beach line was stellar. So far, his Springfield line has left something to be desired, but some peripherals are shining (3-1K:BB)
Memphis
6-1 L
Brian Barden (31O BA) and David Freese (10 HR) are fighting for ML spots. I am not sure where they belong but both keep hitting the ball in AAA. Jaime Garcia got a little roughed up (6 ER in 5 IP)
I would think that Barden is on track to be next year's Aaron Miles as he can play 2b,SS, and 3B. Freese---He is 25 and is blocked a bit by Troy Glaus. He will never be a long term answer at 3rd for the Cards, but he can hit a little bit obviously (17 and 96 last year).
Games:
Cards
7-6 Winner
It was a doozy. Yadi could miss substantial time, but he saved the game with his plate blocking antics. A couple of Phillie errors later and we have 42 wins. 42 wins? Wow! Who would have thunk it....
Good days at the dish for Ankiel and Glaus
Springfield
3-1L
Josh Dew K'd 2 in 1 IP. That's about it. His Palm Beach line was stellar. So far, his Springfield line has left something to be desired, but some peripherals are shining (3-1K:BB)
Memphis
6-1 L
Brian Barden (31O BA) and David Freese (10 HR) are fighting for ML spots. I am not sure where they belong but both keep hitting the ball in AAA. Jaime Garcia got a little roughed up (6 ER in 5 IP)
I would think that Barden is on track to be next year's Aaron Miles as he can play 2b,SS, and 3B. Freese---He is 25 and is blocked a bit by Troy Glaus. He will never be a long term answer at 3rd for the Cards, but he can hit a little bit obviously (17 and 96 last year).
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A Good Night
The Big Birds get a win handily
Looper throws a 3 hit shutout and the bats score 10 off of Johnny Cueto, a big time prospect. Heck, even Jason LaRue went yard. You know things are going well when LaRue hits a dinger.
Memphis
5-2 W
Colby continues to heat up. He goes 2-4 and walks. Brian Barden has a double and HR in the win where Mike Parisi goes the distance.
Here's a question---How would Barden fare as the Aaron Miles next year? With these numbers, why has he never been able to stick in the bigs before?
Springfield
6-1W
Izzy strikes out 2 of the 5 hitters he faced
Allen Craig goes 2-4
However, the big story here is Jesse Todd. He throws 7.1 innings and gives up a single unearned run. He also manages 6 Ks. He is 5-1 this year with a Springfield ERA of .83. Did you read that right----0.83!!!!! The peripherals are also very solid. 66 K: 16 BB, a GB % of about 55 and a WHIP under 1. I think it is time to start considering Todd, not Jaime Garcia (as good as he's been) our top pitching prospect....no seriously!!
Palm Beach
9-3 L
Nothing too exciting here. Donovan Solano goes 3-5
18 year old stud, Richard Castillo, goes 3 scoreless. Bookmark this guy.
He is 18 y/o and is doing well (so far) in High A ball. Smells like a BA gem in a couple of years.
Quad Cities
2-1 L 7-3W (Double header)
Tommy Pham hits another HR. Like I said yesterday, this guy is still one to watch. He is young and can hit for a lot of power. Hopefully, the plate discipline will develop.
Blake King has a nice outing---4 IP, 7 K
Looper throws a 3 hit shutout and the bats score 10 off of Johnny Cueto, a big time prospect. Heck, even Jason LaRue went yard. You know things are going well when LaRue hits a dinger.
Memphis
5-2 W
Colby continues to heat up. He goes 2-4 and walks. Brian Barden has a double and HR in the win where Mike Parisi goes the distance.
Here's a question---How would Barden fare as the Aaron Miles next year? With these numbers, why has he never been able to stick in the bigs before?
Springfield
6-1W
Izzy strikes out 2 of the 5 hitters he faced
Allen Craig goes 2-4
However, the big story here is Jesse Todd. He throws 7.1 innings and gives up a single unearned run. He also manages 6 Ks. He is 5-1 this year with a Springfield ERA of .83. Did you read that right----0.83!!!!! The peripherals are also very solid. 66 K: 16 BB, a GB % of about 55 and a WHIP under 1. I think it is time to start considering Todd, not Jaime Garcia (as good as he's been) our top pitching prospect....no seriously!!
Palm Beach
9-3 L
Nothing too exciting here. Donovan Solano goes 3-5
18 year old stud, Richard Castillo, goes 3 scoreless. Bookmark this guy.
He is 18 y/o and is doing well (so far) in High A ball. Smells like a BA gem in a couple of years.
Quad Cities
2-1 L 7-3W (Double header)
Tommy Pham hits another HR. Like I said yesterday, this guy is still one to watch. He is young and can hit for a lot of power. Hopefully, the plate discipline will develop.
Blake King has a nice outing---4 IP, 7 K
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
