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January 7, 2009

Future Shock

Cardinals Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Team Audit | DT Cards | PECOTA Cards | Depth Chart

Five-Star Prospects
1. Colby Rasmus, CF
2. Brett Wallace, 3B
Four-Star Prospects
3. Chris Perez, RHP
4. Daryl Jones, LF
Three-Star Prospects
5. Jess Todd, RHP
6. Adam Reifer, RHP
7. Bryan Anderson, C
8. Jaime Garcia, LHP
9. Lance Lynn, RHP
10. Jason Motte, RHP
Two-Star Prospects
11. Niko Vasquez, SS

Just Missed: Mitch Boggs, RHP; Jon Jay, OF; Peter Kozma, SS

Ranking Challenges: Spots one through four are almost too easy, but it's a bit messy from there down. Reifer slots higher than expected based on a pair of crazy reviews from scouts, while a guy like Motte could land anywhere from fifth to completely off of the list depending on who you're talking to.

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9 comments have been left for this article.

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BillJohnson

(2635)

Interesting that Kyle McClellan doesn't crack the Top 10 Talents 25 and Under list. I would have put him ahead of one or two of those guys. This system has improved enormously in the last couple of years, but there's still something to be said for a 24-year-old who played the fireman role effectively for most of his rookie season.

Incidentally, Kevin, would you mind spelling Jaime Garcia's name correctly and consistently? Thanks.

Jan 07, 2009 08:25 AM

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rating: -3

MikeJordan23

(18080)

I think the Cardinals system is very good, top 10, but one or two high ceiling starters are needed. They have Wainwright and a healthy Carpenter as aces, but after the big club is a mix of 3-5 type starters.

This draft I would focus on starting pitching with big upside. Imagine how much better this system would be if they drafted Porcello instead of Kozma, which they could've done.

Jan 07, 2009 09:08 AM

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rating: -1

CubbyFan23

(29937)

Kevin, I worked at Palm Beach last year so I got to see a lot of the talent down there. Any love for Francisco Samuel, or is his control just too wild to be thought of as a prospect? Control issues aside, he had dynamite stuff.

Any chance that either Tony Cruz or Steven Hill can make a ML roster if they can provide a bit of third catcher insurance? Cruz wasn't amazing but Hill absolutely tore it up in Palm Beach.

Jan 07, 2009 09:56 AM

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rating: -1

BillJohnson

(2635)

The Cardinals blogs are abuzz with the absence of Allen Craig and David Freese from this list. Neither has as much upside at 3B as Wallace, and Freese isn't a kid any more, but both have been hitting. I'm surprised they didn't make at least the "Just Missed" list.

Jan 07, 2009 18:22 PM

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rating: -1

R.A.Wagman

(32721)

Kevin - can you give a short blurb on the upside/downside of Kozma please?
Thanks

Jan 07, 2009 20:52 PM

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rating: -1

vtadave

(11550)

Freese turns 26 in April and had just 39 walks last year. I imagine that's the reason for his abasence.

Jan 09, 2009 13:35 PM

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rating: -1

Cardinals645

(26292)

I think we were supposed to make suggestions for additions to the Top 11 Series earlier, but now that I'm actually looking at them I've had a brainstorm.

-Links to the last few years' rankings
-Last year's Star Ratings (For example, Bryan Anderson was listed at 4 Stars last year.)
-Maybe an explanation for Rating changes

For the record, I really enjoy the lists as they are. Can't wait for the next one!

Jan 12, 2009 09:46 AM

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rating: 0

salamander

(15530)

It's not my column, but is there a reason we've transitioned from 2 top 11s every week or so to the 1 a week we've had for the last month?

Jan 14, 2009 07:30 AM

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rating: 1

DGBL

(32998)

I'm also wondering why these lists have slowed down greatly. They are behind last year's pace. By this time last year, the entire AL had been done, an AL update was done, and the NL had been started. Somewhat disappointing.

That said, he could be consumed by getting things done for the book. But there's a book every year.

Jan 14, 2009 10:17 AM

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rating: -1

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<< Previous Article

On the Beat: The Dog D... (01/07)

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Future Shock: Pirates ... (12/29)

Next Column >>

Future Shock: Padres T... (01/16)

Next Article >>

BP Fantasy Beat: Defen... (01/08)

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