Posted on 05 March 2009
H/W: 5-11 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 2/26/89
Drafted in the 3rd round last year, Vasquez signed early and immediately put up some solid numbers at short season Low-A Johnson City, batting .317 with 4 HR 25 RBI 8 SB and 42 runs scored in 55 games. His fine performance earned him a promotion to Low-A Quad Cities where he promptly struggled, managing just 5 hits in 39 AB. Vasquez has power that belies his demure build. He generates tremendous torque with his quick right-handed swing that prompts some scouts to speculate that he can become a 20-25 HR hitter at the major league level. He has shown the ability to take a walk and work deep into counts, but his K rate is too high (69 K in 66 games) for someone with his average power numbers. Defensively, Vasquez has below average speed, but his sure hands and strong accurate arm mitigate errors and should allow for him to stay at the position throughout his development.
2009 Projection: Vasquez should get another shot at Quad Cities and should put up better numbers. Monitor the power progress and also his ability to mitigate his K totals. If he doesn't, he will see a precipitous drop in his batting average numbers. The Redbirds have slick fielding Pete Kozma tabbed as their SS of the future which could mean that Vasquez may need to move to 3B down the road. His arm and good instincts would make him a good fit, but the power would need to progress to a more acceptable level in order to ensure his long term viability at that position.
Key Niko Vasquez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra TOTC Auto #/494
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Posted on 26 February 2009
H/W: 6-1 190 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 12/16/86
The Cardinals top catching prospect continued to sting the ball at AA Springfield and AAA Memphis in '08 hitting .308 with 4 HR 41 RBI and 18 doubles in just 92 games. Anderson has a sweet lefthanded swing that produces line drives to the gaps and down both lines. His excellent hand-eye coordination makes him a difficult hitter to strike out and his solid game plan at the plate allows him to be more disciplined than many young hitters. Defensively, Anderson has continued to make improvements, throwing out 37% of potential basestealers last season and earning a respectable .986 fielding percentage. Pitchers love throwing to Anderson and much praise has been heaped upon him for his game calling techniques and ability to handle a pitching staff. The big knock on Anderson, thusfar, has been his lack of power. Bryan has never socked more than six HR in one season as a professional despite having a seemingly strong frame. Much of this has to do with the fact that Anderson's swing trajectory is more condusive to hitting line drives, and a slight leverage producing alteration may change that in subsequent seasons. The Redbirds have to be pleased with the rapid development of their 22 year old catcher of the future and his time should come very soon.
2009 Projection: Anderson will get a good lookover by the Cardinals this spring, but a shift back to Memphis to play every day is more probable. The Cards are fairly well set behind the dish with Yadier Molina in the fold through at least 2011, which indicates that a trade to another organization may be Bryan's best shot to play in the major leagues on a regular basis. The key for him this season is to drive the ball with more XBH authority while maintaining his high batting average. Anderson will make his MLB debut at some point in 2009 either as a backup to Molina or with another ball club.
Key Bryan Anderson Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2005 Bowman Heritage
- 2005 Bowman Sterling
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/474
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
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Posted on 31 January 2009
H/W: 5-11 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/20/86
Todd pitched well at three levels in 2008 combining to go 8-6 with a 2.88 ERA and a very respectable 42 BB/136 K in 153 IP. The former Arkansas Razorback has a fastball that sits in the low 90's with good movement that bores in on right-handed batters. Additionally, his slider has wicked downward movement and could be used as a strikeout pitch. He's got good control of his two primary pitches and has the abilty to sink his fastball to induce groundball outs (1.41 GO/FO in '08). Todd proved to be quite durable last season but his stocky size and mediocre third pitch may land him in the bullpen as a major leaguer. He is a fiery competitor and the move to the bullpen would allow for him to add some velocity to his fastball. The Cardinals seem intent to work him as a starter and he has responded well to every challenge put before him over the past two seasons.
2009 Projection: Todd will begin the '09 season with AAA Memphis where he struggled a bit with his control late last season. Watch the K rates that he puts up against AAA hitters as it will be an indicator of what kind of velocity he is throwing with this season. Todd has a sturdily built frame, but many undersized pitchers tend to eventually buckle under heavy workloads. The Cardinals are reportedly using highly touted prospect Chris Perez as their closer this season. If things don't take well for him or there are some injuries in the Cardinals bullpen, it is conceivable that Todd will get called up to St. Louis to work in a long relief/spot starter role.
Key Jess Todd Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/394
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings #/250
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Posted on 09 January 2009
H/W: 5-11 200 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 3/15/85
After a mediocre 2007 season, the University of Miami alum kicked it up a notch at both AA Springfield and AAA Memphis last season hitting .312 with 12 HR 57 RBI 10 SB and 65 runs scored. Jay is a solid gap to gap hitter who makes good contact at the plate and does not strike out often. The increase in HR production was a welcome addition to his game and he has the ability to play an above average CF at the major league level. The biggest drawback in Jay's game is his ceiling as a pro. He has many decent skills, but none that set him apart from other intriguing prospects. He hits for a good average, but his HR totals profile as just a tick below average. He has good speed, but he is not adept as stealing bases. The Cardinals have a good supply of talented OF within their organization with the likes of Colby Rasmus and Daryl Jones being much more his improvements from 2007 to 2008, there is some optimism that he can continue to develop into a solid every day player.
2009 Projection: The Cardinals will give Jay a look this spring to gain a better assessment of his usefulness to the ballclub. In all likelihood, Jay will make the trek back to Memphis before earning a call up at some point in the summer. Keep tabs on his power numbers and SB numbers the early going. His 10 SB in 18 chances are well below his capabilities. Jay stole 31 bases in his final season at Miami, if he can snag 20 or so next season, his chances of being a top of the order hitter improves drastically. Jay has some good skills that would be of use on another roster with less OF depth. Don't be surprised to see the Cardinals perhaps package him up in a deal in the off season.
Key Jon Jay Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings #/250
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
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Posted on 03 January 2009
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 7/18/84
Three words summed up this Berkley alum's season - wash, rinse, repeat. Craig continued to be a consistent run-producing corner infielder at AA Springfield hitting .304 with 22 HR 85 RBI and 84 runs scored. Craig has incredible bat speed and leverage to his righty swing that generates 20-25 HR power to all fields. While he doesn't walk as much as someone with his power should, he made big strides in the second half of the season cutting his K rates and increasing his walk totals. Craig has a strong work ethic and a burning desire to be the best he can be both with the bat and the glove. Defensively, Craig has made great strides at the hot corner, though his limited arm strength and athleticism should make him merely adaquate. After the arrival of '08 top pick Brett Wallace, Craig was shifted to LF which may end up being where he plays as a pro. Either way, Craig's bat should cause for him to wiggle into the Cardinals' lineup in the not too distant future.
2009 Projection: The Cardinals will likely give Craig a long look in spring training before shipping him to AAA Memphis in April. Keep tabs on Craig's walk totals in the early going as his second half improvement offers optimism that he has taken another step forward in his development. Playing in the hitter-friendly PCL, Craig could put up some big numbers early on, further enhancing his chances of earning a mid-summer call up. If he can make the Cardinals' MLB Roster, his sole cards in the 2006 Bowman Draft / 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft sets could experience a substantial increase in demand.
Key Allen Craig Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2006 Bowman Draft
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Posted on 03 January 2009
H/W: 6-5 250 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/12/87
The Cardinals selected the Ole Miss hurler with the supplemental 1st round pick they received for losing Troy Percival to free agency. Lynn did not disappoint, going 1-0 with a 0.96 ERA and a sterling 4 BB/22 K ratio in 18.2 IP at short season Batvia before being shut down in August after a couple of good starts at Low-A Quad Cities. Lynn has a big, durable frame that should be able to handle a heavy work load. Featuring three average major league pitches, Lynn is not particularly overpowering, but he controls the strike zone with great proficiency and is a fiery competitor on the mound. Some scouts are concerned about Lynn's robust build, noting that conditioning will be a key for him. Additionally, despite his solid debut, Lynn does not have dominant stuff which will make it difficult for him to replicate his success against more advanced hitters.
2009 Projection: Lynn should be ready for the 2009 season and likely will start the '09 season at High-A Palm Beach with, barring any setbacks, a promotion to AA Springfield will likely happen shortly thereafter. The main thing to watch for with Lynn is his continued ability to put hitters away. This would be most visible in his batting average against (BAA) and his K/9 IP. Ultimately, he should be a durable mid-rotation starter who eats up innings and wins 10-15 games per season.
Key Lance Lynn Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/570
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1199
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
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Posted on 20 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 235 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 8/26/86
The Cardinals felt blessed to have the Arizona State alum fall to them at the 13th overall pick of the '08 draft. Wallace responded remarkably well to every challenge thrown his way hitting a combined .337 with 8 HR 36 RBI and 41 runs scored in just 54 games. The hot streak continued in the Arizona Fall League as Wallace batted .309 with 6 HR and 24 RBI. A thick build and quick left-handed swing gives Wallace the ability to drive the ball out of any part of the park and his plate discipline should allow for him to hit for a high average and OBP. Despite the many murmurs from baseball scouts who think that he is incapable of playing 3B at the major league level, Wallace impressed many with his soft hands and strong arm at the hot corner. Wallace has a thick and heavy lower body that deters from his athletic potential and should relegate him to 1B at some point in his career. Albert Pujols has 1B locked down for the several seasons to come. It will be of utmost importance for Brett to stick at 3B as long has he can.
2009 Projection: The Cardinals have placed Brett Wallace on the fast track to the major leagues. While his bat is ready, his glove and body needs some work. Expect Wallace to start the '09 season either at AA Springfield or AAA Memphis before earning a spot in St. Louis' lineup at some point later in the season. As of right now, the Cards have the injury-prone Troy Glaus manning the hot corner. If he goes down with an injury, Wallace should get his shot. Once he's here, expect several .300 seasons with 25-30 HR to follow.
Key Brett Wallace Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/499
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
- 2008 UD Team USA Auto #/150
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Posted on 02 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 195 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/11/86
2008 was a downer year for the Cards' top prospect. After bombarding AA pitching in '07, Rasmus was expected to continue the hot streak at AAA Memphis for a short while before patrolling CF at Busch Stadium. None of that happened, however, as Rasmus battled an early season slump and was plagued by injuries to his groin and knee. Rasmus struggled to hit .252 with 12 HR 38 RBI and 15 SB in 96 games. When healthy, Rasmus is one of the brightest 5-tool talents in all of baseball. His left handed swing generates easy power to all fields as he seemingly hits every ball with authority. Rasmus can play any OF position with Gold Glove capability and his speed translates to 20-30 SB potential at the big league level.
Rasmus' injuries are of concern, though his sprained knee was a Grade 1 sprain that did not need surgery. Additionally, Rasmus is a very streaky player who has a history of getting off to slow starts in the early part of the season. The Cardinals would like to see him develop a more consistent approach to his game. Tony LaRussa had a chance this last September to bring Rasmus up for his MLB debut and he responded by saying "He hasn't earned it" Reading between the lines, this may be an indicator that Colby has some "between the ears" developing to do before becoming the centerpiece of the Cardinals' talented 2009 OF.
2009 Projection: Spring training will be a key indicator on the immediate future of Rasmus. If he can perform well, he may not need to go back to Memphis to start the season. Though current CF Skip Schumaker had a solid '08 season, Rasmus is the future. Expect LaRussa to make him earn it this spring. Keep an eye on Colby's health and his early season stats (especially his BB/K ratio). When Rasmus comes up, whether it be April or later, he is a prime N.L. Rookie of the Year candidate.
Key Colby Rasmus Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2005 Bowman Sterling Jersey/Auto
- 2005 Topps Chrome Update
- 2005 Bowman Heritage
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
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2009 Projection: Vasquez should get another shot at Quad Cities and should put up better numbers. Monitor the power progress and also his ability to mitigate his K totals. If he doesn't, he will see a precipitous drop in his batting average numbers. The Redbirds have slick fielding Pete Kozma tabbed as their SS of the future which could mean that Vasquez may need to move to 3B down the road. His arm and good instincts would make him a good fit, but the power would need to progress to a more acceptable level in order to ensure his long term viability at that position.
