Cardinals Minor League Spring Training Notebook – 03/21/19

photo: Perry DellaValle (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

After several days without a report, we are back! Tuesday was a scheduled off day and the rains that carried into Wednesday resulted in a set of simulated games that lacked meaningful player stats. My report on the unusual Wednesday proceedings, which included an Adam Wainwright-Michael Wacha match-up – exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation – can be found here.

Following are the highlights from the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday minor league action, originally to be split between the George Kissell Quad in Jupiter, Florida and the Washington Nationals’ fields in West Palm Beach. The Cardinals’ upper two squads were to hit the road and the two Class-A teams remained home.

However, heavy rains in the area have left the minor league fields in West Palm flooded. Apparently $150 million (the approximate cost of Ballpark of the Palm Beaches) doesn’t buy as much as it used to.

The good news for Cardinals fans is that all four contests on Thursday were held at home, instead.

Skies were partly sunny with temperatures in the mid-70’s. The wind was not extreme, but it was blowing out for Memphis and Palm Beach, which will be worth remembering when reading below.

St. Louis’ squads had pretty good pitching and enough offense to go 2-1-1 on the day. Despite three home runs, Memphis took the loss and Palm Beach tied. Peoria logged a shutout.

Once again this spring, Cardinals Administrator of Minor League Operations Tony Ferreira is sharing highlights from minor league spring training contests.

The raw data is his, but the comments and awards are mine. However, be aware that only minimal pitching and hitting results are being shared – what you see here. So to find those struggling, you will have to look for names missing or make some guesses.

Remember these working team assignments are fluid by the day. In addition, another 15 players have yet to be cut from Major League camp. (Roster details here.)

When players are members of The Cardinal Nation Top 50 Prospect List for 2019, their rankings are noted.


Brandon Benson (State College Spikes)

Thursday’s Hitter of the DayBrandon Benson, Palm Beach

The outfielder was one of at least four players who launched home runs on Thursday, but Benson’s plated two others ahead of him. The 22-year old, taken in the 20th round in 2017, got off to a nice start at State College, but was able to play in only 57 games last season due to injury. The 22-year old has just eight career long balls in 363 at-bats, but his shot to left field cleared the fence.

Honorable mention is given to Raffy Ozuna, playing up with Memphis after competing last season in the GCL. Signed as a shortstop, Ozuna has grown and is now a decent-sized third baseman.


Perry DellaValle (Joseph Freiday Sr. photo)

Thursday’s Pitcher of the Day – Perry DellaValle, Palm Beach

How can anyone top a perfect day? DellaValle buzzed through the Potomac order in order, striking out a trio in the process.

The 23-year old was St. Louis’ 27th rounder last June from Seton HILL in PA, not Seton Hall. Placed in the rookie level Gulf Coast League, the right-hander was extremely successful, starting with a 1.97 ERA, best in the league. So were his 67 strikeouts (in 45 2/3 innings). Let’s see what he can do in 2018 against age-appropriate competition.

Honorable mention goes to Peoria’s Noel DeJesus, who faced six batters and retired them all.


The Cardinal Nation members can check out my in-depth report on Thursday’s proceedings to be posted Thursday evening. Also available are the full list of minor league spring training attendees by working roster assignment and minor league spring training game schedules.

The full system view by level and position as last season ended with every transaction all year long is available via the Roster Matrix, always free, right here at The Cardinal Nation.


Fresno 6 at Memphis (2-3) 4

Memphis pitching TCN IP H ER BB K Notes
Giovanny Gallegos 2 0 0 2 3 I thought the 27 y/o, acquired from NYY in the Voit trade, might close.
Memphis hitting Pos TCN AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR SB BB K Notes
Raffy Ozuna 3B 4 1 1 2 1 20 y/o switch-hitter been a SS, now a larger third baseman.
Adolis Garcia RF #16 4 1 2 1 1 40-man roster OF homered in his last three games.
Lane Thomas CF #9 3 1 1 1 1 1 System HR/RBI champ in 2018 was injured in MLB camp.

Springfield (3-2) 7, Harrisburg 4

Springfield pitching TCN IP H ER BB K Notes
Jake Dahlberg 3 1 0 1 2 Third in the system in 2018 with 2.50 ERA between Peo/PB.
Springfield hitting Pos TCN AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR SB BB K Notes
None How can they score seven runs and have no hitting of note?

Palm Beach (2-2-1) 3, Potomac 3

Palm Beach pitching TCN IP H ER BB K Notes
Perry DellaValle 3 0 0 0 3 Best K/BB ratio in system in 2018 at 9.6 as 22 y/o pitching in GCL.
Palm Beach hitting Pos TCN AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR SB BB K Notes
Brendan Donovan 2B 4 3 1 7th rounder played in just four games for SC before injury.
Brandon Benson LF 2 1 1 3 1 Only 4 HR in 183 at-bats among GCL/SC/Peo in 2018.

Peoria (3-2) 3, Hagerstown 0

Peoria pitching TCN IP H ER BB K Notes
Noel DeJesus 2 0 0 0 2 Struggled to an 8.10 ERA in six starts for Johnson City last summer.
Peoria hitting Pos TCN AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR SB BB K Notes
Brady Whalen 1B 4 1 2 1 2 Hints of power and production. In 4th season at age 21.
Josh Shaw 2B 3 2 Toughest GCL hitter to K last season – 14.07 PA/K.

Friday’s games: Friday’s minor league games are scheduled to be the reverse of Thursday’s original plans, This time, Palm Beach and Peoria are supposed to travel to West Palm Beach to face the Nationals, while Memphis and Springfield will remain home at the George Kissell Quad in Jupiter to take on their Washington counterparts. Then again, if Washington’s fields remain unplayable, all games could be held in Jupiter, as they were on Thursday. Games are scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. ET, but always watch the weather.

Check back here each evening for these reports for the remainder of minor league camp! While you are here, check out the other articles here at The Cardinal Nation. You will be glad you did!


Bonus for members of The Cardinal Nation

Cardinals Minors Spring Camp Report – 03/20/19


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