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.
4 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Ben Weixlmann 10 months ago
Joel, I really like this. Great stuff!
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Peter Fleischer 10 months ago
Nice job Joel. It's kinda like an article I wrote a while back. A couple ideas of mine:
-I think Todd will be able to contribute next year. His ERA at Memphis is only 2.41 after three starts. I think he or Mortensen might get a shot at the rotation next year.
-Darryl Jones might be pegged for an earlier debut. He is getting better very quickly, and is trashing Double-A pitching. Look for him to debut 2010, maybe 2009.
-I doubt David Freese will ever be a real big-leaguer.
-If Jason Motte is worse then Kelvin Jimenez. I don't think he is a real prospect at 26 years old with his numbers.
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Joel Koch 10 months ago
Yeah, I thought about Todd or Mort next year in the rotation, but I really see that as a long shot, and I don't really see a McClellan happening to either one. A full season at Memphis wouldn't be the worst of things for them.
Jones is moving fast, and though I fogot to mention, he could be a breakout prospect. 2009 could be likely, but I envision him more 2010/2011 only because of his inexperience. He'll be interesting to watch, that's for sure.
I think Freese could be a real big-leaguer, but not for this team. I really see him moving elsewhere in the offseason for a SS.
The way I am told by an officer on the Cardinals Facebook application, Jimenez was a prime time prospect with Tecas, but was never told how to pitch. He just hrew the ball and was torched when he climbed the ladder. The Cardinals took a flyer on the guy. I don't think it's panned out...plus, I flat out don't like the guy.
Motte, as you said, is 26, but is still a prospect. If he came into the system as a pitcher, he would be 24 and would be at Memphis two years ago, and would be a 26 year setup man this year for the Cardinals. Due to him being a catcher to start his pro career, I still see him as a prospect only because he's been pitching for like 1 1/2 years. My opinion though, nothing more. I don't know what BA would view him as.
Thanks for the comment and the input Pete. As always, it's greatly appreciated! I always enjoy hearing people's thoughts and opinions on subjects, and your name tops that long list.
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Peter Laclede 10 months ago
Outstanding article Joel. While we all want to see a playoff berth this year, it's still fun to look ahead to what this team will become. Unlike many of the powerful teams this year, the Cardinals appear to have a stronger future then present.
Great analysis, I like that you can keep me in the loop better through these than I can keep myself. Keep it up.
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