Tag Archives: St Louis Cardinals

St Louis Cardinals 2015 Top 20 Prospect Rankings

By: JP Schwartz
Twitter: @Jaypers413

Every year around this time I like to rank each team’s top overall prospects. My criteria are based on A: Past Performance and B: Future Potential (50% of each per prospect)

Disclaimer: I am not a professional scout, nor did I attend any minor league games this year. These lists are the product of my own research of online scouting reports and scouting videos, as well as statistics, and are compiled purely for entertainment purposes.

Send your questions or feedback to me on twitter @Jaypers413

To qualify for these lists, a prospect must have no more than 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues.

ST LOUIS CARDINALS

1: Marco Gonzales LHP
2: Alex Reyes RHP
3: Stephen Piscotty OF
4: Jack Flaherty RHP
5: Rob Kaminsky LHP
6: Luke Weaver RHP
7: Randal Grichuk OF
8: Tim Cooney LHP
9: Charlie Tilson OF
10: Carson Kelly C
11: Tyrell Jenkins RHP
12: Aledmys Diaz SS
13: Sam Tuivailala RHP
14: Magneuris Sierra OF
15: Juan Herrera SS
16: Edmundo Sosa SS
17: Rowan Wick OF
18: Austin Gomber LHP
19: Breyvic Valera 2B
20: Oscar Mercado SS

St Louis Cardinals 2014 Top 20 Prospect Rankings

By: J.P. Schwartz
Twitter: @Jaypers413

Every year around this time I like to rank each team’s top overall prospects. My criteria are based on A: Past Performance and B: Future Potential (50% of each per prospect)

Disclaimer: I am not a professional scout, nor did I attend any minor league games this year. These lists are the product of my own research of online scouting reports and statistics, and are compiled purely for entertainment purposes.

Send your questions or feedback to me on twitter @Jaypers413

To qualify for these lists, a prospect must have no more than 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues.

ST LOUIS CARDINALS

1. Oscar Taveras OF


2. Carlos Martinez RHP


3. Rob Kaminsky LHP


4. Marco Gonzales LHP


5. Kolten Wong 2B


6. Alexander Reyes RHP


7. Stephen Piscotty OF


8. Tyrell Jenkins RHP


9. Tim Cooney LHP


10. Randal Grichuk SS


11. Oscar Mercado SS


12. Mike O’Neill OF


13. Patrick Wisdom 1B


14. Carson Kelly C


15. Kenny Peoples SS


16. James Ramsey OF


17. Charlie Tilson OF


18. Steve Bean C


19. Juan Herrera 2B


20. Colin Walsh 2B

St Louis Cardinals 2012 Mid-Season Top 5 Prospect Rankings

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the St Louis Cardinals organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/31/2012)

1) Oscar Taveras – OF
Highest Level: AA Springfield Cardinals
2012 Stats:
MILB: .323, 28(2B), 6(3B), 19HR, 77RBI

2) Shelby Miller – P
Highest Level: AAA Memphis Redbirds
2012 Stats:
MILB: 6-9, 5.44ERA, 99.1IP, 46BB, 107K, .279BAA

3) Carlos Martinez – P
Highest Level: AA Springfield Cardinals
2012 Stats:
MILB: 4-5, 2.79ERA, 77.1IP, 22BB, 68K, .228BAA

4) Michael Wacha – P
Highest Level: High-A Palm Beach Cardinals
2012 Stats:
MILB: 0-0, 1.29ERA, 7IP, 0BB, 12K, .167BAA

5) Tyrell Jenkins – P
Highest Level: Low-A Quad Cities River Bandits
2012 Stats:
MILB: 2-4, 5.81ERA, 66.2IP, 33BB, 64K, .268BAA

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

Interview With St Louis Cardinals Outfield Prospect Chris Swauger

By: Andrew Martin
@historianandrew
BaseballHistorian.Blogspot.com

One of the biggest assets a young professional baseball player can have is discipline. Without that it is a tough road to do the necessary work and make the proper adjustments to keep moving upwards. St. Louis Cardinals farmhand Chris Swauger should have discipline in spades, having attended college at The Citadel, a military school known for its rigid preparedness of students. The left-handed hitting outfielder is using that experience as he makes his way through the St. Louis system and hopes that it will eventually pay off with a promotion to the major leagues.
Swauger left The Citadel in 2008 as one of their greatest players ever, ranking near the top of their all time lists in hits, doubles, triples, and home runs. The Cardinals rewarded his consistent production by taking him in the 26th round of that year’s MLB draft. Since then he has progressed through the minors, having made it as far as Triple-A. He doesn’t have a lot of power (possessing a single season high of 12 home runs) and he doesn’t run much, but he hits for a good average and plays good defense. He made his Triple-A debut this season, but struggled a bit and is now playing with Springfield in Double-A, but will likely be sent up again if he continues to play well.

This past off-season I was able to ask Swauger a few questions about his baseball career. Make sure to give him a follow on Twitter @cswag8

Who were your favorite team and player growing up and why?
I was an Atlanta Braves fan growing up. Their games were always on TBS, and we didn’t get a team in Tampa until I was 12 years old so I grew up watching the Braves. I was a big Chipper Jones fan and I loved Fred McGriff. When he came to play for Tampa Bay later in his career, that was a lot of fun to watch.

Which coach or manager has been most influential on you so far?
I have had many good coaches and I can honestly say I’ve taken positive lessons away from all of them. I would have to say that Jeff Albert has been the most influential of all. I have spent four seasons (short-season in Batavia, parts of two seasons in Palm Beach, and a winter ball season in Barranquilla, Colombia) working with him. His knowledge of the game and bio-mechanics is top notch in my opinion. His knowledge of me and my swing is unmatched and he has brought out the best in me as a player.

Can you run through what your draft experience was like?
After my senior season at The Citadel, I was pretty sure I would get a chance to play but I was not sure where I would land in the draft. I watched the rounds that were on TV and then kept the radio broadcast going on the computer. Hearing 784 names called before mine made me wonder if I might not get that chance I was hoping for. Once I heard my name I forgot about all of that and assumed the role of a little kid whose dream had just come true. I was excited and happy to get a chance to continue playing the game I had loved since I could walk.

How did attending The Citadel prepare you for a career in baseball and life?
I think attending a school like that forces a person to grow up in a hurry. I learned valuable lessons about discipline, hard work, time management, and mental toughness. Being in an environment like that shows true character. The adversity that the school provides creates men who are prepared to face any challenge, be it in baseball or life in general.

Do you have a favorite moment from your playing career?
Without question my favorite moment was winning the New York-Penn League Championship in 2008. Running in from left field to jump on the dog pile was one of the happiest moments of my life. There is no other feeling than realizing a goal that you work so hard for. Being a champion makes everything worth it.

How closely do you follow Cardinal organizational transactions and think about how those impact you?
I do pay attention to what happens with the Cardinals. I think anyone who cares about their career in any field pays attention to what goes on within their organization. That being said, I realize that my career and my production is dictated by me and my work ethic. I will work and push myself to the limit regardless of what happens in my organization.

What do you like to do in your spare time, that is not baseball related?
I love to read, listen to music, and watch movies. I like to fish and golf, too. Basically anything involving athletics would be something I’m interested in.

What do you think you need to work on most in 2012 to help you reach the major leagues?
I think I need to improve every aspect of my game. I know that the key for me getting to the big leagues is to get better. I think the only reason I am still getting the chance to play is because I have committed to getting a little bit better every day. I know if I continue to do the little things and put the work in, I will be successful.

Be sure to check out Chris Swauger’s baseball cards

Q&A With St Louis Cardinals Prospect Steven Ramos

By: Andrew Martin
@historianandrew
BaseballHistorian.Blogspot.com

With the departure of free agent Albert Pujols, and veteran mainstays like Chris Carpenter and Lance Berkman advancing in years, the St. Louis Cardinals expect to infuse a good amount of young talent into their team over the next few seasons. One of those players that they are excited about is outfielder Steven Ramos.
Ramos was taken in the 22nd round of the 2010 MLB draft; skipping college to pursue his dream of a major league career. He is a natural center fielder, but can play at all three spots in the outfield, sporting excellent range and a strong arm. The right-handed Ramos’ most advanced skill at this time is his speed, and while he doesn’t have a frame that suggests he will develop into a power hitter, he does has the talent to become an effective hitter.
Ramos played his first two professional years came in short-season leagues, hitting a combined .269 in 108 games, with 3 home runs, 36 RBI, and 34 stolen bases. He will be assigned to a full-season team in 2012 and look to build on his progress while continuing to move steadily through the St. Louis system.

Who were your favorite team and player when you were growing up, and why?
I grew up a San Francisco Giants fan because that was my parents’ favorite team. Favorite player was Roberto Clemente for what he did on and off the field.

How did you know that the Cardinals were interested in you?
They gave me a call two weeks before the draft and invited me to a pre draft workout.

Can you describe what your draft day experience was like?
It was very exciting and stressful waiting to hear my name called.

What made you decide to sign with St. Louis rather than pursuing your scholarship with Cal-State Fullerton?
I told myself before the season if I somehow got drafted I would take it. I have heard a lot of stories about people not getting drafted a second time, and didn’t want that to happen. Plus, the Cardinals are known for winning and being a great organization.

What has been your favorite moment so far in your career?
Playing in the Appalachian League championship series.

What specific skill do you hope to improve upon most in 2012?
My vision and plate discipline.

Have you ever gotten any advice or instruction from players or coaches who are at the major league level?
Skip Schumacher gave me pointers on switching outfield to infield like he did. Nick Punto just gave me some advice about the game as a whole.

Minor Leaguers Go To Work In The Offseason To Make Ends Meet

Playing minor league baseball is not exactly a way to get rich. For the bonus babies or the players who are rushed to the big leagues, playing minor league ball is a necessity among their already financially secure future, but for late rounders chasing a dream, many look to the offseason and pick up odd jobs to help support themselves. St Louis Cardinals prospect Chris Swauger, a 26th round pick in 2008, is among those who go to work. In the story link below, Swauger talks about his time as a substitute teacher during the offseason, previous jobs he’s had, and the story looks at the offseason jobs of other minor leaguers as well. It’s a good read.

Baseball players find odd jobs — PostAndCourier.com

2012 St Louis Cardinals Top 15 Prospect Rankings

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413 on Twitter
JP’s FreedomCardboard Blog

2012 St Louis Cardinals Top 15 Prospect Rankings

Every year at this time I like to rank each team’s top prospects. My criteria is based upon both past performance and future potential to his parent team. This is my ranking of the 2012 St Louis Cardinals Top Prospects. If you have any questions about my rankings, feel free to shoot me a message on twitter @Jaypers413

To qualify, a prospect must have fewer than 130 at-bats or 50 innings in MLB

#1 Shelby Miller RHP
Born: 10/10/1990
Highest Level Reached: Double-A Springfield Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: 11-6, 2.77ERA, 139.2IP, 53BB, 170K

#2 Carlos Martinez RHP
Born: 9/21/1991
Highest Level Reached: High-A Palm Beach Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: 6-5, 3.93ERA, 84.2IP, 44BB, 98K, .238BAA

#3 Zack Cox 3B
Born: 5/9/1989
Highest Level Reached: Double-A Springfield Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: .306, 27(2B), 13HR, 68RBI

#4 Tyrell Jenkins RHP
Born: 7/20/1992
Highest Level Reached: Rookie League Johnson City Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: 4-2, 3.86ERA, 56IP, 13BB, 55K, .296BAA

#5 Kolten Wong 2B
Born: 10/10/1990
Highest Level Reached: Low-A Quad Cities River Bandits
2011 Combined Stats: .335, 15(2B), 2(3B), 5HR, 25RBI, 9SB (1st Round Pick 2011 MLB Draft)

#6 Oscar Taveras OF
Born: 6/19/1992
Highest Level Reached: Low-A Quad Cities River Bandits
2011 Combined Stats: .386, 27(2B), 5(3B), 8HR, 62RBI

#7 Matt Adams 1B
Born: 8/31/1988
Highest Level Reached: Double-A Springfield Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: .300, 23(2B), 2(3B), 32HR, 101RBI

#8 Charlie Tilson OF
Born: 12/2/1992
Highest Level Reached: Rookie League Johnson City Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: .333 (9 hits in 27 at-bats), 2(2B), 5RBI (2nd Round Pick 2011 MLB Draft)

#9 Eduardo Sanchez RHP
Born: 2/16/1989
Highest Level Reached: MLB St Louis Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: MINORS: 1-1, 2.45ERA, 7.1IP, 2BB, 6K, .125BAA
MAJORS: 3-1, 1.80ERA, 5 Saves, 30IP, 16BB, 35K, .144BAA

#10 Lance Lynn RHP
Born: 5/12/1987
Highest Level Reached: MLB St Louis Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: MINORS: 7-3, 3.84ERA, 75IP, 25BB, 64K, .279BAA
MAJORS: 1-1, 3.12ERA, 34.2IP, 11BB, 40K, .203BAA

#11 Trevor Rosenthal RHP
Born: 5/29/1990
Highest Level Reached: Low-A Quad Cities River Bandits
2011 Combined Stats: 7-7, 4.11ERA, 120.1IP, 39BB, 133K, .247BAA

#12 John Gast LHP
Born: 2/16/1989
Highest Level Reached: Double-A Springfield Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: 9-8, 4.02ERA, 161.1IP, 61BB, 113K, .269BAA

#13 Jordan Swagerty RHP
Born: 7/14/1989
Highest Level Reached: Double-A Springfield Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: 5-3, 1.83ERA, 8 Saves, 93.2IP, 23BB, 89K, .204BAA

#14 Joe Kelly RHP
Born: 6/9/1988
Highest Level Reached: Double-A Springfield Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: 11-6, 3.68ERA, 132IP, 59BB, 113K, .258BAA

#15 Maikel Cleto RHP
Born: 5/1/1989
Highest Level Reached: MLB St Louis Cardinals
2011 Combined Stats: MINORS: 8-6, 3.81ERA, 134.2IP, 65BB, 135K, .234BAA
MAJORS: 0-0, 12.46ERA, 4.1IP, 4BB, 6K, .333BAA

Disclaimer – I did not attend any minor league games this year, nor do I claim to have any scouting experience. These lists are the product of my own research of statistics and online scouting reports.

St Louis Cardinals Prospect Matt Adams Hopes To Make The Team This Spring

Coming off his third monster season in the past three years, St Louis Cardinals first base prospect Matt Adams (KEY ROOKIE: 2010 Bowman Chrome) has his sights set on making the big league club out of spring training. The 23 year old batted .300 with 23 Doubles, 32 Home Runs and 101 RBI’s for the Double-A Springfield Cardinals in 2011. In 2010 he hit .310 with 41 Doubles, 22 Home Runs and 88 RBI’s for the Quad Cities River Bandits. Adams who was a 23rd round pick of Cardinals out of Slippery Rock University stands to gain the most should Albert Pujols leave via free agency. In the story link below, Adams talks about his goals for 2012, skipping the High-A level entirely, being blocked by Pujols, and working to re-energize his body in the offseason.

Major talent: Matt Adams returns to work — CentreDaily.com

David Freese Rookie Cards Going Bonkers On Ebay

What a difference World Series heroics make. Take a look at the timeline of David Freese Autographs we outline below. As everyone knows by now, Freese blasted a Walk Off Home Run to allow the St. Louis Cardinals to force a Game 7 of the 2011 World Series. As a result his baseball cards have gone bonkers.

David Freese 2009 Topps Chrome Autograph Rookie Card Timeline

This one sold on October 16th – Your baseline example

This one sold on October 18th – Trending Up

This one sold on October 19th – Trending Higher

This one sold on October 22nd – Trending Down

This one sold on October 23rd – Trending Further Down

This one sold October 26th – Trending Even Further Down

This one ended during the 5th inning of Game 7 – Highest Price Ever

This one ended the night after the World Series – Price is dropping

This one ended early Sunday morning – Down nearly 50 percent from it’s high

This one ended November 4th, one week after the World Series – Still pretty strong

This One Ended November 7th – Still In The Upper 40’s