Staring Straight Ahead: the Cardinals Farm System

The St. Louis Cardinals have had ten different players make their Major League debuts this season. That was the plan way back in March: see what the future holds. The only logical way to do that is to have the rookies play a big role in the team.

These rookies are known to Cardinals fans by their names: Jaime Garcia, Kyle McClellan, Mark Worrell, Chris Perez, Mike Parisi, Mitchell Boggs, Nick Stavinoha, Joe Mather, Brian Barton, and Rico Washington.

Of course, they’re also known by another name: the Memphis Mafia.

What this mafia has proven is that the Cardinals farm system is definitely improved and will soon be providing dividends for years to come.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the young players that will be making a name for themselves in the coming years. The way this will work, is I’ll name some players. Next to the players, I’ll put a year by their name, which is the year I guess they will make their debuts. There will also be a short description of the player.

Any player that has made their Major League debut in 2008 will not be included. And, there will be a special surprise at the end of the article.

Colby Rasmus OF 2008 (2009)

There can’t be an article on Cardinals prospects without this young man being included. Rasmus is the top prospect of the organization, and could make his debut with a September call-up. More than likely, he’ll open 2009 as a starting outfielder for the Cardinals.

Rasmus hits from the left side and is a superb defender. He hits for average and power (25 home run threat), plus he’ll steal about 15 bases a year.

Brett Wallace 3B 2010

Wallace was drafted this past June and is already at Double A Springfield. He certainly is on the fast track to the Majors. With his emergence in the system and his ability to play third base well, he has officially made Allen Craig and David Freese expandable.

Wallace hits for a very good average, for a lot of power (30 home run threat), and is an Albert Pujols type player when it comes to patience. He’ll get a ton of walks, while striking out little. The 2010 season looks like a reasonable time for him to arrive at The Show, given Troy Glaus’ pending free agency at the end of 2009.

Darryl Jones OF 2011

Jones is drawing rave reviews from everyone you talk to. Drafted out of high school in 2005, Jones never really found his stride. He was trying to get acclimated to professional life in 2005, and in 2006 he had a hamstring issue and was limited to 46 games.

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