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February 19, 2008

Future Shock

Cardinals Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Colby Rasmus, CF
Four-Star Prospects
2. Chris Perez, RHP
3. Bryan Anderson, C
Three-Star Prospects
4. Adam Ottavino, RHP
5. Jaime Garcia, LHP
6. Tyler Herron, RHP
7. Jose Martinez, SS
8. Peter Kozma, SS
9. Clayton Mortensen, RHP
Two-Star Prospects
10. Joe Mather, OF
11. Jarrett Hoffpauir, 2B

Just Missing: David Freese, 3B; David Kopp, RHP; Jess Todd, RHP

1. Colby Rasmus, CF
DOB: 8/11/86
Height/Weight: 6-2/195
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted: 1^st round, 2005, Russell County HS (AL)
2007 Stats: .275/.381/.551 at Double-A (128 G)

Year In Review: The player with the highest upside in the system, exploded in 2007 by leading the Double-A Texas League in home runs with 29 despite not turning 21 until the latter part of the season.
The Good: On a pure tools level, Rasmus is an absolute monster. He added a good 10-15 pounds of solid muscle prior to the season, and it clearly paid off, as he added strength to what was already an extremely quick bat. He has excellent pitch recognition and a patient approach, and his plus speed makes him dangerous both on the basepaths and in the field, where he also has a very good arm.
The Bad: Rasmus played in a friendly home run park in 2007, and most see him as more of a 20-25 home run hitter in the majors as opposed to some future league-leading slugger. He can be guilty of cheating at times against lefties, and good southpaws were able to get him to chase breaking balls. He relies too much on his athleticism at times in the field, and needs to improve his reads and routes.
Fun Fact: Rasmus' younger brother Cory is a right-handed pitcher who was a first-round pick by the Braves in 2006. He missed all of last year recovering from shoulder surgery.
Perfect World Projection: An All-Star center fielder with the power and speed to hit leadoff or third.
Timetable: While there's been some talk of Rasmus replacing Jim Edmonds this year, he'll likely start the season at Triple-A while Rick Ankiel keeps his seat warm.

2. Chris Perez, RHP
DOB: 7/1/85
Height/Weight: 6-4/225
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2006, University of Miami (FL)
2007 Stats: 2.43 ERA at Double-A (40.2-17-28-62); 4.50 ERA at Triple-A (14-6-13-15)

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