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 St. Louis new jobs, new out of region money, and a better downtown in general. Busch Stadium is now halfway through its third season and Ballpark Village is still a mere mirage. It is still in the stages of being a vision. However, it looks like that vision may soon become more of a reality. According to the St. Louis Cardinals website, an agreement between the team, city, and the Cordish Company has been reached. Construction on the new center for shopping and entertainment will begin as soon as the city approves the project, which Mayor Francis Slay has backed.[1]

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 “Lake Dewitt” for the vacant area in reference to Cardinals Owner and President Bill Dewitt III.[2]

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 St. Louis in less than a year, one would think that Mayor Slay and company would do everything they can to get this project off the ground, for both aesthetic and economic purposes. Although a general game at Busch Stadium probably provides relatively little economic impact, a major event like an All-Star Game could provide a substantially amount. One would think that the City of St. Louis and the Cardinals would do everything they can to get the development finished by next July so more out of region money can be used within the city limits.

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[1]http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080723&content_id=3184896&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl

[2] http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=3502184

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.