I’m not sure the name of the scout who directed the St Louis Cardinals to draft Matt Adams with the 699th overall pick of the 2009 out of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, but whoever that scout was needs a raise. The 22 year old first base prospect has established himself as the Cardinals top power hitting prospects. If there is anyone who had the most to gain should Albert Pujols decide to leave St. Louis, it would have to be Adams. In a breakout 2011 season, Adams has destroyed Double-A Texas League pitching hitting .314 with 22 Doubles, 27 Home Runs, and 89RBI’s for Springfield. This follows a .310, 41 Double, 22 Home Run, 88 RBI effort in his first full season as a pro with the Low-A Quad Cities River Bandits in 2010. In the story Adams talks about continuing to bring it every game down the stretch, skipping High-A, staying patient while he awaits a promotion to Triple-A, his future should Pujols stay in St Louis, and refining his discipline at the plate. It’s a very good read.

Power surge: Adams shining in Class AA Altoona Mirror