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Cover the Springfield Cardinals and Cardinals minor league pipeline for The Cardinal Nation | Freelance sports writer

Springfield Cardinals Notebook – 2019 Week 4

photo: Kramer Robertson (Springfield Cardinals FANatic Photos)

The Double-A Cardinals look to turn the page after a slow 8-17 start in April. Springfield logged a 3-3 record in Week 4 as Kramer Robertson is swinging a hot bat. Manager Joe Kruzel outlines the positives he has seen from his club.

As Springfield manager Joe Kruzel sits back and reflects on his team’s first month progress, one thing was clear to the team’s first-year skipper.

“I think there is a lot more positives that came out of the month besides the record,” Kruzel said.

The S-Cards finished the month of April with the worst record in the Texas League (8-17) and are off to their slowest start since they went 5-15 in April of 2015.

Kruzel said he is pleased with the way his team has competed on a daily basis despite the results. He feels the players are now comfortable and more acquainted with the Texas League.

“The positives outweigh the negatives,” Kruzel said. “Unfortunately, we came up on the short end sometimes.”

Individually, Kruzel said his players took away a lot from a month in which the pitching ranked last in ERA (5.97) and the offense ranked near the bottom of the pack in average (.235).

The manager said going forward his team has to respect every opponent and they have to go into every game with the mindset “they are no different than we are”.

“There is no reason why we can’t play with any of them,” Kruzel said. “It is not like these teams are head and shoulders better than us. I think we have to believe that.”

This report covers the period from Thursday, April 25 through Wednesday, May 1.


Anthony Shew (Springfield Cardinals FANatic Photos)

April 25: Springfield 8 vs. Amarillo 0

Anthony Shew tossed six strong frames supported by his team’s 12-hit attack as the S-Cards trounced Amarillo, 8-0, at Hammons Field for a split of the four-game set.

Shew used seven strikeouts to neutralize five hits and a walk with eight ground- and two fly-ball outs. Roel Ramirez worked around four hits and a free pass for two clean frames before Kodi Whitley tossed a one-two-three ninth.

Lead-off batter Irving Lopez spearheaded the offensive effort, going 3-for-5 and touching home twice. The only other S-Card with a multi-hit performance was Elehuris Montero, who singled twice in three at bats with a walk, run scored and RBI.

Tyler O’Neill’s only hit in four at bats was a solo long ball. It was the outfielder’s first safety in three rehab contests. Conner Capel followed in the seventh with a two-run bomb scoring Chris Chinea (triple). Capel went 1-for-3 with a free pass, crossed home twice and drove in two.


April 26: Springfield 3 vs. Frisco 2

Williams Perez (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

The Cardinals edged the Rough Riders at Hammons Field on Friday. Starter Williams Perez pitched seven innings, giving up one run on four hits while striking out seven and walking three.

Merandy Gonzalez surrendered a run in the eighth and was replaced with one out by Jacob Patterson, who induced a double play to end the inning without further damage. Connor Jones tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his first save and preserve the win for Patterson.

Springfield was held scoreless until the fifth inning when Chris Chinea led off with a solo home run to center.

In the bottom of the eighth, Shane Billings singled and scored on a double by Kramer Robertson. Robertson came home on Dylan Carlson’s double. Carlson went 2-for-4 in the game and stole his second base of the season.


April 27: Springfield 7 vs. Frisco 10

The Cardinals were unable to catch up to the Frisco RoughRiders in a 10-7 loss at Hammons Field on Saturday. Springfield got off to a lead in the second inning on a three-run home run by Brian O’Keefe, but Frisco added two in the third and five in the fifth to go ahead 7-3.

In the bottom of the sixth, O’Keefe and Scott Hurst singled and advanced on a fielding error. Irving Lopez doubled to plate both runners.

Frisco went ahead 10-5 with three runs in the seventh. Springfield added a run in the bottom of the inning. Dylan Carlson and Johan Mieses singled. Chris Chinea drove in Carlson on a sac fly.

The Cardinals attempted a rally in the bottom of the ninth as Mieses, Mendoza and Carlson hit consecutive singles. Mieses scored on Carlson’s single to center. That was the only run the Cardinals would manage, as Connor Capel grounded out to end the rally and the game.

Starter Evan Kruczynski had another tough night. The left-hander pitched four-plus innings, giving up six runs, five earned, on five hits while fanning five and walking five.

Luke Gregerson allowed Kruczynski’s final pair of runners to score and surrendered a run of his own in the fifth. Mike O’Reilly allowed three runs in 1 2/3 innings. Kodi Whitley got the last out of the seventh and returned to pitch a scoreless eighth. Seth Elledge tossed a run-free ninth.


April 28: Springfield 4 vs. Frisco 6

One big inning sent the S-Cards to a 6-4 home loss to Frisco on Sunday. Springfield has won one of the series’ first three contests with one yet to play.

Casey Meisner was scored upon in each of his three frames on the bump, with the scoring capped by four runs in his third and final inning of work. The righty gave up six runs, four earned, in all, on seven hits, including two home runs, and a base-on-balls.

A trio of Springfield relievers kept the RoughRiders off the board the rest of the way. Jacob Patterson struck out four in three innings, yielding a hit and walk. Luke Gregerson continued his seemingly endless rehab assignment with a one-two-three seventh before Roel Ramirez notched two K’s to go with one free pass over the last two frames.

Two S-Cards produced multi-hit efforts: Dylan Carlson and Johan Mieses. Carlson singled and doubled in four at bats with a walk and run scored while right fielder Mieses went 2-for-5 with a run scored.


April 29: Springfield 2 vs. Frisco 9

Evan Mendoza (Andrew Miller/Palm Beach Cardinals)

Evan Mendoza reached safely three times and stole a pair of bases, and left fielder Conner Capel doubled, homered, and gunned a runner at the plate, but it wasn’t nearly enough as Springfield was thumped by the RoughRiders 9-2 on Monday afternoon.

Starting pitcher Harold Arauz permitted six runs, five earned, on nine hits and a walk, while whiffing none of the 26 men he faced. Arauz allowed a pair of homers over his 5 1/3 innings.

Righty relievers Seth Elledge and Merandy Gonzalez provided the pitching highlights, posting identical 1-2-3 innings out of the bullpen, each man fanning a batter.


April 30: Springfield was off


May 1: Springfield 9 at Amarillo 6

Kramer Robertson (Andrew Miller/Palm Beach Cardinals)

Springfield took Game 1 at Amarillo 9-5 on Wednesday night. The Springbirds were led by shortstop Kramer Robertson, who homered twice and recorded three RBI to pave the way offensively.

Williams Perez received the starting nod. The former big-leaguer gave up four earned runs over six innings of work, striking out seven batters and issuing only one walk. Perez earned his second win of the season.

Conner Capel launched his fourth home run of the season in the fifth, a solo shot. Chris Chinea handed Springfield a 5-4 lead in the sixth with a two-run blast, his fourth homer of 2019.

It was the S-Cards’ first road win of 2019 in their 11th try.


Standings

Currently, Springfield (9-17) sits in last-place, eight games back of first-place Arkansas (16-9, SEA) in the Texas League North. Tulsa (14-11, LAD) is in second while NW Arkansas (10-16, KC) is in third place.


Who’s Hot

Kramer Robertson – Robertson continues to flash some surprising power this season, belting two home runs on Wednesday to give him five on the season. The shortstop had a combined five dingers over his first two seasons between Low-A Peoria in 2017 and High-A Palm Beach in 2018.

Robertson is also now on a 10 game on-base streak. During this time, he is hitting .333 (11-for-33) with two doubles, two home runs, five RBI, nine walks and 10 runs.

Dylan Carlson – Carlson has been one of the most complete players in the Texas League through the first month. The switch-hitter currently ranks among league leaders in RBI (18, tied for third), hits (28, sixth), extra-base hits (12, second), total bases (49, second) and runs (17, tied for fourth).

Shane Billings – Billings has thrust his way into everyday playing time because of the way he has hit since arriving in Springfield on April 17. The outfielder is hitting .400 with two homers and seven RBI in 11 games for the S-Cards.

Jacob Patterson (Palm Beach Cardinals)

Jacob Patterson – Patterson, who is a funky lefty reliever, was arguably Springfield’s best reliever in April. The 23-year old went 3-1 with a 3.27 ERA, striking out 14 batters over 11 innings of work.

His manager likes what he sees in Patterson.

“He believes in himself,” Kruzel said. “He enjoys competing. He goes out there and attacks hitters. He throws strikes. That is one of the biggest qualities he has. He throws strikes. He throws strikes with a fastball and slider. He attacks the strike zone and doesn’t worry about what the hitter does or what their strengths or weaknesses are.

“His strength is attacking the strike zone with his two-pitch mix and he has been very successful with that.”

Kodi Whitley – Whitley has also been effective when called upon for Springfield, allowing only one earned run over the first seven innings of his Double-A career. The 24-year old righty, who has been up to 95 mph on his fastball, has seven strikeouts in that span.


Who’s Not

Irving Lopez – After getting off to a torrid start, Lopez has slowed at the plate. The second baseman is hitting .238 (10-for-42) over his last 10 games, dropping his average from .295 on April 18 to .253 on May 1.

Alberto Triunfel – Triunfel has seen increased playing time with the injury of Elehuris Montero this week but continues to slump with the bat. The 25-year old Dominican is hitting just .156 (5-for-32) over his last 10 games.

Evan Kruczynski – Five starts into 2019 and Kruczynski has yielded more earned runs (26) than innings pitched (21 ⅓ innings). His ERA sits at 10.97. The big lefty, who has a lot of moving parts in his delivery, is believed to be going through a mechanical issue right now. When he is at his best, his mechanics are in synch and he is able to then command the strike zone, and be effective.

Casey Meisner – After moving back into the rotation, Meisner has been hit around, allowing 18 earned runs over 15 innings of work. Overall this season, the righty owns a disappointing 9.78 ERA over six games (four starts).


Team Transactions

  • April 26: RHP Harold Arauz to Springfield from Triple-A Memphis
  • April 26: RHP Will Latcham to EST from Springfield
  • April 27: INF Elehuris Montero placed on the IL
  • April 27: OF Johan Mieses to Springfield from Triple-A Memphis
  • April 29: RHP Anthony Shew to Triple-A Memphis from Springfield
  • April 30: RHP Mike O’Reilly released by St. Louis
  • April 30: RHP John Fasola to Springfield from Triple-A Memphis
  • May 1: RHP Junior Fernandez to Springfield from High-A Palm Beach
Junior Fernandez (USA TODAY Sports Images)

On Wednesday morning, the Palm Beach Cardinals website announced the promotion of reliever Junior Fernandez to Springfield.

The right-hander has slid to no. 40 on The Cardinal Nation’s current list due to a career that had stalled at high-A.

The 22-year old first pitched for Palm Beach in 2015 when he was still a starter. Last season in his first trial at Springfield, he was tagged for a 5.14 ERA in 16 games before being sent back to the Florida State League. A major problem in his first shot at the Texas League was 17 walks in 21 innings.

The free passes continue to be a concern as Fernandez had the same number of walks, eight, as hits allowed this season for Palm Beach. He saved all four opportunities presented him and went multiple innings in three different outings.


Injury Updates

Elehuris Montero – Montero is dealing with a sprained wrist that is not considered serious. The IL move was made as a precautionary measure to allow him time to rest.

Hector Mendoza – No news on the right-handed pitcher’s status.


The Cardinal Nation’s Top 50 Prospect Watch

#3 Elehuris Montero – Kruzel explained what he saw in Montero over the first month of the season.

“You see a young player, who is starting to understand some of the things the opposing team is doing to him as far as how teams are pitching to him,” Kruzel said. “He is starting to make adjustments in that regard. If you watch him defensively, he possess an extremely strong arm. For his size, he moves pretty good with some soft hands.”

Dylan Carlson (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

#4 Dylan Carlson – Carlson was Springfield’s biggest offensive bright spot in the month of April. Kruzel has been impressed with the 20-year old, particularly with his power potential.

“This is a young man, whose confidence level is extremely high right now,” Kruzel said. “He is going about his business the right way. He is working (on his power). The preparation that this young man does on a daily basis is head and shoulders above his age. You just like the direction he is going in.”

#18 Evan Kruczynski – Kruzel said through Kruczynski’s struggles the best thing that has happened for him is that now he has to work on things. After success at Springfield last year and in the Arizona Fall League, the lefty now has a great opportunity to do some learning, says his manager.

“That is the part he is understanding,” Kruzel said. “It is not that easy sometimes. You have to work at your craft and you got to study it, and understand it. That is the biggest thing. It is nothing physical. It is nothing mental. It is nothing in that regard. It is a situation where he has never had a stretch like this where he has gone through and it has not gone his way. He is learning how to fight through situations like this.

“This will be a great situation for him. In the end, he will come out a better man.”

#21 Evan Mendoza – Mendoza, who picked up a first base glove over the spring, has taken to the position quite nicely, according to his manager.

“I see a kid that is eager to learn about it and willing to learn about it,” Kruzel said. “He was a guy that was thrown into the fire, I think they called him into a big-league game in spring training and next thing you know he is playing first. He has never played first before.

“In the same regard, he is a very conscientious student of the game and he picks up things extremely well and quickly. You are seeing a guy who is getting comfortable and looks like he has played it for years.”

Seth Elledge (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

#26 Seth Elledge – After going through a two-week rough stretch, it seems Elledge found traction this week on the bump. The deceptive right-hander, acquired from the Mariners in the Sam Tuivailala trade last summer, has tossed two straight scoreless outings to lower his ERA down to 3.65 on the season.

#32 Conner Capel – Capel continued to show signs of heating up this week. The left-handed hitting outfielder, acquired from the Indians in the Oscar Mercado trade last summer, has homered three times in his last six games. He is now hitting .217 on the season with a .696 OPS.

#34 Scott Hurst – After putting things together for a week, Hurst collected two hits over 10 at-bats in four games this week. His average sits at .205 on the season with a .601 OPS.

#44 Kramer Robertson – See Who’s Hot Above.

#45 Anthony Shew – Kruzel is impressed with Shew and sees a more polished pitcher than the one he managed two years ago at State College.

“He is a very similar pitcher (from the last time I had him),” Kruzel said. “I think the difference between here and State College is he is hitting his spots more. He was learning to pitch inside more. He keeps the ball off the barrel for the most part. You just enjoy watching him compete. He understands what type of pitcher he is.

“He goes out there with his stuff and makes it work, and doesn’t try to be something that he is not because he is at a level where people think he has to throw this or throw that. He stays within himself.”


What’s Next

Joe Kruzel (Springfield Cardinals FANatic Photos)

Springfield continues its first Texas road-trip of the season with two left to play at Amarillo. The S-Cards will finish up Week 5 action at Frisco with single games Saturday through Tuesday, followed by a day off next Wednesday.

Going forward, Kruzel looks for Springfield to pull everything together and have both his offense and pitching working at the same time on a consistent basis in May.

“Sometimes it seems we haven’t played a complete game,” Kruzel said. “We have played games in spurts. It seems some days when the pitching is on, the hitting is not. There is other days where the hitting is not on, but the pitching is there. When the opportunity is there, we have to be at our best.

“That is what we have to get better at.”

Acknowledgments: TCN staff members UConnCard, Marilyn Green, Bob Reed and Brian Walton contributed to this report.


Get TCN’s New 2019 Prospect Guide

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Follow Derek Shore on Twitter @D_Shore23.

© 2019 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Parsons Named The Cardinal Nation April Pitcher of the Month

photo: Tommy Parsons (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

This is the first part of The Cardinal Nation’s monthly two-part series as we name our Players and Pitchers of the Month across the St. Louis Cardinals system. While the Cardinals recognize their top players as well, we undertake independent analysis unencumbered by the organization’s selection criteria.

Let’s get right to it with a look at the list of April system-wide pitching leaders.


Parsons claims TCN’s top pitching honors

Tommy Parsons (Peoria Chiefs)

While a number of starters in the Cardinals system had strong Aprils, one hurler distinguished himself from the rest, utilizing a terrific stretch of pitching to get himself on the prospect radar.

Our April Pitcher of the Month is Low-A Peoria starter and TCN’s No. 50 prospect Tommy Parsons, who should also have a strong case to claim the still-to-be-announced Cardinals organization and is a shoe-in to garner Midwest Pitcher of the Month honors.

In 30 innings, Parsons went 3-0 for the Chiefs and leads the Cardinals system with a minuscule 0.30 ERA (allowed one earned run the entire month), and 0.53 WHIP. Midwest League teams are hitting .109 against him.

The Peoria Chiefs Opening Night starter has struck out 23 batters and walked just five. Parsons, who also leads the MWL in ERA, WHIP, and innings pitched, has the league’s only complete game, a two-hit shutout against Quad Cities on April 22.

Parsons was named the MWL Pitcher of the Week in two of the three periods in April – the first and last.

“When he goes out there, we feel confident he’ll take us late into the game,” Peoria manager Erick Almonte told the Peoria Journal Star. “Tommy’s been great. He keeps hitters off balance with his breaking ball and can throw any of his three pitches for strikes on any count. What else can you say?”

Tommy Parsons (Peoria Chiefs)

Simply put, Parsons is a feel-good story. He went undrafted last year after four excellent seasons on the hill at Division III Adrian College. The 23-year old righty signed with the Cardinals on June 12, 2018.

Parsons is not a flamethrower, but he has topped out at 94 mph on his fastball. He sits more comfortably in the 90-91 range with an effective and curveball and changeup mix that has overmatched Midwest League hitters to this point.

Last summer, Parsons started his professional career at Rookie League Johnson City. He was 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA, striking out 43 through 57 innings of work.

For an undrafted DII pitcher, Parsons has written a masterful first chapter in his first month of his first full season of pro ball.


Honorable Mentions

Jake Woodford (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

Runner-up to Parsons is TCN’s No. 14 prospect Jake Woodford, who also has a strong case to be named the organization’s top pitcher for April. The righty posted a 1.20 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Memphis.

If the right-hander keeps pitching like this, it may not be long before Woodford finds himself on a big-league mound in St. Louis.

One pitcher whp quietly put together a strong April is Peoria starter Diego Cordero, who like his teammate Parsons is in full-season ball for the first time in his career. The 21-year old southpaw had a 1.46 ERA in four starts for the Chiefs, posting a 20-to-9 strikeout to walk ratio over 24 ⅔ innings.

Johan Oviedo (Peoria Chiefs)

High-A Palm Beach Opening Night starter Johan Oviedo is also off to a terrific start to 2019. The big Cuban right-hander owns a 1.60 ERA over six games (five starts) that includes a 34-to-12 strikeout to walk ratio. Oviedo is also a perfect 5-0 on the season for the Beach Birds and seems primed for the Texas League.

Oviedo ranks as TCN’s No. 20 prospect.

Anthony Shew also received consideration. He is a bright spot in an otherwise struggling Springfield rotation. The righty held an ERA of 1.93 in five April starts for the S-Cards, including a 27-to-6 strikeout to walk ratio over 28 innings. His reward is a promotion to Triple-A Memphis received on Monday.

Shew is TCN’s No. 45 prospect.

Angel Rondon (Peoria Chiefs)

Palm Beach starter Angel Rondon is also worthy of mention. He had a 3-0 record with a 2.08 ERA for the Beach Birds. The 21-year old Dominican struck out 25 batters and issued nine free passes over four starts (21 ⅔ innings pitched).

Rondon rated as TCN’s No. 35 prospect in April.

Lefty Austin Gomber put together a dominant month for Memphis, posting a 2.54 ERA in five starts for the Redbirds. Gomber led the system with 30 strikeouts and he also had a seven-inning complete game shutout on April 20 against Round Rock (HOU).

Gomber, who exceeded his prospect status last year after hurling 75 innings for the Cardinals, should be among the pitchers on the I-55 shuttle between Memphis and St. Louis in 2019.


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2019 Springfield Cardinals Feature Experience and Youth

photo: Dylan Carlson (Aaron Doster/Imagn)

The Springbirds of 2019 flocked to their adopted hometown on Saturday, returning to the Missouri city following one of their more down seasons in recent memory.

Two days later, the Springfield Cardinals hosted their Media Day at Hammons Field. As part of the Monday event, the Double-A Cardinals released their preliminary Opening Day roster.

The 2019 version of the S-Cards will feature many familiar faces from last year’s club on the pitching side, including eight returnees who saw time at Double-A last season.

The pitching staff opening 2019 will be more experienced than the group that struggled last season. TCN’s No. 17 prospect Evan Kruczynski will return and anchor the S-Cards’ rotation while No. 30 prospect Seth Elledge and No. 39 prospect Connor Jones should lead a much-improved relief corps.

On the other side of the roster, almost every position player is stepping up from high-A ball. The headliners are a pair of 20-year olds – TCN’s No. 4 prospect Elehuris Montero and No. 8 prospect Dylan Carlson.

“Anytime you are beginning something new, there is a lot of excitement around the ballpark,” Springfield manager Joe Kruzel said. “The players are really excited. Now, they get to where it starts to count. This is going to be a nice little ballclub. Once they start to get their spikes in the ground and start playing a little more, you will see a really exciting ballclub.”


Starters

All five starters in the tentative rotation accumulated innings at Double-A in 2018: Kruczynski, Anthony Shew, Casey Meisner, Austin Warner and Williams Perez – three right-handers and two southpaws.

Evan Kruczynski (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

Kruczynski, a 24-year old, has the physical ingredients to stand out, including a workhorse-like 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame coupled with advanced pitchability, which allowed him to reach Double-A in just his first full season of professional ball.

At Springfield last year, Kruczynski had success in a six-start sample. He was called the most effective starter on Springfield’s pitching staff by former manager Johnny Rodriguez despite only being with the club for a full month.

Shew, a 25-year old, comes off a season in which he was named TCN’s Springfield 2018 Starter of the Year. Shew led the way with 114 innings hurled on the season for the club. The right-hander also missed the most bats (96 strikeouts) of any starter on the staff and issued the fewest amount of walks (32) while also having the best WHIP at 1.40.

Armed with a five-pitch mix, Shew throws a sinker, changeup, curveball, slider and cutter. His fastball/change combination has always been his bread-and-butter, but an area of emphasis was placed on refining his other secondary pitches this past season.

Meisner, a 23-year old and TCN’s No. 48 prospect, was quietly effective in a short time for Springfield last season, posting a 3.60 ERA in six starts. The tall, deceptive right-hander struck out 33 batters against 14 walks over 40 innings with the S-Cards.

Austin Warner (Andrew Miller/Palm Beach Cardinals)

Warner, a 24-year old who the Cardinals signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2017, pitched across three levels last year – Palm Beach, Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. The lefty had a 5.34 ERA in six starts for the 2018 S-Cards.

Warner is an undersized hurler who competes with outstanding mound presence, according to scouts. He sits 91-94 mph with his fastball on his best days with an average curveball and changeup.

Perez started for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2017 and the Double-A Arkansas Travelers this past season. The Venezuelan native also appeared in 34 games for the Atlanta Braves in 2015 and 2016, logging a 5.18 ERA in 31 starts and three relief appearances.

Perez was released by Atlanta in December 2016 and by the Cubs last February. He has an array of pitches, featuring a four-seam fastball, sinker, curveball and changeup.

One name that is not listed on the Springfield roster, but was recently claimed off waivers from the Giants and assigned to the Double-A club is Merandy Gonzalez. The 23-year old made his major-league debut with the Marlins last summer and spent most of the 2018 campaign at their Double-A affiliate.

Gonzalez works mostly in the 93-95 mph range as a starter with an above-average curveball and feel for a changeup. His power repertoire should play up eventually as a bullpen arm as he faces questions with his command as a starter.


Relievers

The tentative bullpen includes seven right-handed arms and one left-hander. Funky lefty Jacob Patterson will be the lone southpaw in the bullpen. He will make his Texas League debut after spending all of last year at Palm Beach.

Patterson, 23, held a 3.64 ERA in 51 games with the Beach Birds. The Cardinals’ 2017 13th round pick out of Texas Tech also posted a 72-to-23 strikeout to walk ratio, converting four saves in seven chances.

The righty relievers include Elledge, Jones, Will Latcham, Jesus Cruz, John Fasola, Harold Arauz and Roel Ramirez.

Seth Elledge (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

Elledge came to the Cardinals from Seattle in the Sam Tuivailala trade last summer. He was assigned to Double-A Springfield, where he posted a 4.32 ERA over 13 games. The 22-year old converted four saves in six chances, striking out 20 batters through 16 ⅔ innings pitched.

Elledge throws his lively fastball in the low-to-mid 90s and will mix in a hard breaking ball that grades out at major-league average.

Jones, a 24-year old, has some of the more extensive experience at Double-A among pitchers on the Springfield roster. He spent most of the 2018 season as a starter, but he found a role as a reliever late in the season and into the Arizona Fall League.

His stuff ticked up as a result with reports of his heavy sinker being thrown at 92-96, touching 98. His curveball, which Jones says was his most consistent pitch in 2018, is average but flashed above-average at times out of the bullpen.

In his first full season of professional ball, Latcham split the 2018 campaign between High-A Palm Beach and Springfield, compiling a 3.48 ERA in 44 games. He finished off the year with a stint at Triple-A Memphis in the playoffs and followed in the Arizona Fall League.

Latcham’s greatest asset is his arm strength. He throws 93-95 and mixes in a swing and miss curveball as his out pitch.

Jesus Cruz (Andrew Miller/Palm Beach Cardinals)

Cruz, a 23-year old, is another newcomer. He signed with the Cardinals two years ago out of Mexico and split time between low-A Peoria and Palm Beach last year, posting a 3.27 ERA in 30 games (16 starts).

Cruz is expected to move back to the bullpen in 2019 where his fastball, slider and changeup all play best.

The Cardinals selected Fasola in the Rule 5 draft from the Rangers in December. The 27-year old has spent parts of the last two years in the Texas League with Frisco. He boasted a 4.05 ERA over 21 games last year.

Another new name, Arauz signed with the Cardinals as a minor league free agent this past offseason after being with the Phillies. The 23-year old spent the majority of 2018 at Double-A in 2018 where he went 9-7 with a 4.59 ERA over 24 starts.

Arauz first signed with the Astros 2012 before he was dealt to the Phillies three years later in a trade that sent Ken Giles to Houston.

The final bullpen arm is Ramirez, who joined the Cardinals in the Tommy Pham trade last summer. The 23-year old posted a 5.06 ERA in 10 games for Springfield last season after performing well out of the bullpen for the Rays’ Double-A affiliate.

Ramirez, who was a starter with a generic fastball with developing secondary stuff, made the conversion to relieving full-time in 2018. His fastball velocity spiked into the 95-96 mph range with a split-finger changeup and slider.


Catchers

Jose Godoy (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

The Cardinals will be carrying two catchers – Jose Godoy and Brian O’Keefe.

The duo should split time behind the dish for Springfield as they did last year at Palm Beach.

Godoy slashed .289/.381/.374 in 68 games for the Beach Birds in 2018 while O’Keefe hit .243/.358/.412 over 73 games.

Infielder Chris Chinea also has experience at catcher. He could step in anytime and don the tools of ignorance as well as cover first base.


Infielders

The six-man infield includes a mix of returning and fresh faces.

Elehuris Montero (Peoria Chiefs)

The obvious headliner of the group is Montero, who rates as TCN’s No. 4 prospect and comes off a season in which he was named Most Valuable Player in the Midwest League. He spent most of the 2018 season as a 19-year old, led the MWL in batting average (.322), slugging (.529) and OPS (.910).

Not only that, he became the Cardinals’ first MWL MVP since Albert Pujols in 2000. Montero will likely be the primary third baseman. With the bat to make a huge impact, he has a chance to make a name for himself on the national level this summer.

The roster also features former LSU star Kramer Robertson, up from Palm Beach. The 24-year old is looking to bounce back after an up-and-down offensive season in the pitcher-friendly confines of the Florida State League.

He will likely be the everyday shortstop for Springfield.

Irving Lopez (Peoria Chiefs)

Irving Lopez, who posted solid numbers between Palm Beach and Peoria last year, steps up to Springfield for the first time as well. The 23-year old slashed .280/.368/.395 over 110 games between both levels.

Lopez should be the everyday second baseman for the S-Cards.

Backing them up will be Alberto Triunfel. The 25-year old, who was with the Angels organization last year, came to the Cardinals in the Rule 5 draft in December. He hit a combined .235/.293/.367 with six home runs and 45 RBI in 103 games in 2018.

At first base, Chinea and Stefan Trosclair should split duties. Both are returnees to the Springfield roster.


Outfielders

Including Shane Billings, Springfield has four outfielders on its initial roster.

The other outfielders will be the ones that will likely play every day – Carlson, Conner Capel and Scott Hurst.

Carlson will be the biggest name to watch. As one of the youngest players in the Midwest League and Florida State League, the 20-year old proved to hold his own and adjust against more advanced competition over the last two years.

He also was one of the youngest prospects to stick around in 2019 big-league camp.

Although he has yet to post eye-popping numbers at any level in his professional career, Carlson is a 2019 breakout candidate and has a chance to blossom in the hitter-friendly Texas League.

Conner Capel (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Capel, who is TCN’s No. 31 prospect, should also benefit with the promotion to Springfield. He did not dominate before the trade from the Indians to the Cardinals last summer and his performance dropped after joining Palm Beach.

Like with Carlson, perhaps a chance to perform in a more hitter-friendly environment will help him rediscover his power. The 21-year old collected 44 extra-base hits (22 doubles and 22 homers) at low-A Lake County just two years ago.

Hurst, who ranks as TCN’s No. 40 prospect, performed well in a 2018 season when available, but he was on the disabled list four times. Despite spending the majority of the season on the shelf, the 23-year old’s productive season and solid spring warranted him a promotion to Springfield.

The key this season for Hurst will be staying healthy.


Conclusion

So, that concludes our look at the new version of the 2019 Springfield Cardinals, a club with an experienced pitching staff and upside in its offense as they seek to zoom toward the first half title in the Texas League North Division.

Dylan Carlson (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

It is safe to say the S-Cards are anxious to get started.

“I’m extremely excited to get going,” Carlson said. “We have a great group of guys. It is going to be a lot of fun. Great staff. I’m just ready to get out there. I heard a lot of great things about this city. I’m really excited.”

“I’m very excited and eager to be here,” Montero said with Springfield strength coach Dan Vega serving as a translator. “A lot of big-leaguers have come through here. I’m excited for the opportunity the team has given me.”

Though the Opening Day starting pitcher has yet to be announced, Springfield will open the season on the road against NW Arkansas (KC) on Thursday, April 4.

The first homestand of 2019 is scheduled to commence a week later on Thursday, April 11 versus the Naturals once again.


What is next

I will be back this season with my weekly notebooks from Hammons Field covering the Springfield Cardinals, running each Thursday. I also hope to contribute interviews on occasion, all for members of The Cardinal Nation.

Stay tuned for more full-season roster information over the next week here at The Cardinal Nation.


Bonus for members of The Cardinal Nation

Cardinals Minor League Movers and Shakers


Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.


Get TCN’s New 2019 Prospect Guide

Order The Cardinal Nation’s 190-page 2019 Prospect Guide now – available in PDF and printed book form, with a special 50% off deal for annual members.

Follow Derek Shore on Twitter @D_Shore23.

© 2019 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cardinals Minor League Spring Training Notebook – 3/24/2019

photo: Stanley Espinal (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Following are the highlights from the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday minor league action, games held at Roger Dean in Jupiter, Florida against the Miami Marlins full-season affiliates.

With the exception of Memphis, which broke camp, every affiliate had stats provided on Sunday. Palm Beach was the only team to come out victorious while Springfield and Peoria dropped their games.

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 10 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.

Saturday’s Pitcher of the Day – Jacob Patterson, Palm Beach

Jacob Patterson (Palm Beach Cardinals)

The lefty reliever tossed a scoreless inning to help Palm Beach defeat the Astros High-A affiliate. He struck out two and only allowed two hits on the day.

Patterson, who was the Cardinals 2017 13th round selection out of Texas Tech, boasted a 3.64 ERA over 51 games at Palm Beach last year. The funky southpaw throws his fastball in the 87-90 mph range with a slider tough on lefty bats.

Sunday’s Hitter of the Day – Stanley Espinal, Palm Beach

Stanley Espinal (Lowell Spinners)

The third baseman collected two hits, which were two long balls. He also scored two runs for the Beach Birds.

Espinal joined the Cardinals from Boston two years ago for international bonus pool money. This past season, the 22-year old was voted the State College Spikes Most Valuable Player, totaling team highs in average (.286), RBI (41), home runs (8) and total runs (41).

 Get the entire picture! The Cardinal Nation members can check out 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.

Springfield (4-3-1) 7, Corpus Christi 14

Springfield pitching:

  • N/A

Springfield hitting:

  • Conner Capel (CF) – 4-for-4, 2 R – Capel continues his hot-hitting after being TCN’s Saturday Hitter of the Day. Will the 21-year old open the year at Springfield?

Palm Beach (4-3-1) 5, Fayetteville 4

Palm Beach pitching:

  • Jacob Patterson – 1.0 IP, H, 2 K – Sunday’s Pitcher of the Day

Palm Beach hitting:

  • Stanley Espinal (3B) – 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 HR – Sunday’s Hitter of the Day

Peoria (4-4) 3, Quad Cities 9

Peoria pitching:

  • N/A

Peoria hitting:

  • Mateo Gil (SS) – 2-for-3, R – slick-fielding shortstop, who was the Cardinals 3rd round pick last year. Sleep to watch coming into 2019.

Peoria 2 / Quad Cities, no score provided

Peoria pitching: 

  • Fransisco Justo – 1.0 IP, H, R, 3 K – Cardinals 13th round pick from last summer. Former Juco standout, whose best pitch is his fastball that features late life.

Peoria hitting:

  • N/A

Tomorrow’s games: Monday’s minor league games are scheduled to be held in Port St. Lucie and Jupiter. Springfield travels to St. Lucie to play New York while Palm Beach and Peoria stay at Roger Dean and hosts the Mets lower-level minors clubs. Games start at 10 a.m. ET.

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!

Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system. Annual members may purchase the new 2019 Prospect Guide PDF for less than half price. In addition, out limited edition printed and bound Guides are going fast, so get yours today!

Follow Derek Shore on Twitter @D_Shore23.

© 2019 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cardinals Minor League Spring Training Notebook – 03/23/19

photo: Austin Gomber (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Following are the highlights from the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday minor league action, which are games held at Roger Dean in Jupiter, Florida against the Miami Marlins full-season affiliates.

With the exception of Peoria, the St. Louis’ squads all won with pitching ahead of hitting, allowing a combined five runs across three games. Two of those games featured shutouts from Memphis and Palm Beach.

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 10 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.

Saturday’s Pitcher of the Day – Austin Gomber, Memphis

Austin Gomber (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

After being optioned out by the Cardinals on Wednesday, Gomber was solid in his first outing on the backfields Saturday. The southpaw fanned five batters over five shutout innings.

Gomber, who will start the season at Memphis and will remain stretched out in case he is needed at the major league level, made four Grapefruit League appearances this spring. Over 11 innings, he allowed 19 hits (including six homers) and 13 runs.

His main issue was executing his fastball command, but he certainly took steps forward against the Marlins.

Saturday’s Hitter of the Day – Conner Capel, Springfield

Conner Capel (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

The outfielder collected three hits, including a triple, three RBI and he came around to score twice.

Capel joined the Cardinals from Cleveland along with Jhon Torres in the Oscar Mercado trade last July and made his organizational debut in the Florida State League. Though it was only 29 games, the 21-year old hit .248 with a homer and 19 runs driven in.

Will he advance to Springfield to open the 2019 season?

 Get the entire picture! The Cardinal Nation members can check out 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.

Memphis (3-3-1) 2, New Orleans 0

Memphis pitching:

  • Austin Gomber – 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 K – Saturday’s Pitcher of the Day.

Memphis hitting:

  • Brian O’Keefe (C) – 2-for-3, R, HR, RBI – 25-year old catcher, who has spent parts of the last three years at Peoria.

Springfield (4-2-1) 14, Jacksonville 5

Springfield pitching:

  • Genenis Cabrera – 4.0 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 K – power lefty, who struggled in big-league camp but still could make an impact out of the bullpen for the Cardinals at some point in 2019.

Springfield hitting:

  • Conner Capel (LF) – 3-for-5, 2 R, 3B, 3 RBI – Saturday’s Hitter of the Day.

Palm Beach (3-3-1) 3, Jupiter 0

Palm Beach pitching:

  • Edgar Gonzalez – 4.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 6 K – Cardinals 2018 sixth round pick out of Fresno State.
  • Roel Ramirez – 2.0 IP, H, BB, 3 K – Also apart of the Tommy Pham trade from Tampa last July.
  • Patrick Dayton – 1.0 IP, H, 2 K – 23-year old lefty, who sported a 0.78 ERA over 20 games at Peoria last year.

Palm Beach hitting:

  • Dennis Ortega (C) – 2-for-4, 2B – defensive-minded backstop, who is still looking to make traction with the bat.

Peoria (4-3) 2, Clinton 3

Peoria pitching:

  • Jacob Schlesener – 4.0 IP, H, 2 BB, 5 K – Unable to escape short-season ball yet, but his potential continues to show through.
  • Sebastian Tabata – 1.0 IP, 2 K – 21-year old Venezulean, who debuted with the DSL Cardinals Red last summer.

Peoria hitting:

  • N/A

Tomorrow’s games: Sunday’s minor league games are scheduled to be held in West Palm Beach and Jupiter. Memphis and Springfield travel to West Palm to play Houston while Palm Beach and Peoria stay at Roger Dean and hosts the Astros lower-level minors clubs. Games start at 1 p.m. ET.

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!

Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system. Annual members may purchase the new 2019 Prospect Guide PDF for less than half price. In addition, out limited edition printed and bound Guides are going fast, so get yours today!

Follow Derek Shore on Twitter @D_Shore23.

© 2019 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cardinals Minor League Spring Training Notebook – 03/16/19

Welcome to day three of our 11th year of providing results and much more from St. Louis Cardinals minor league spring training games here at The Cardinal Nation. Again this year, I am joined in these recaps by TCN publisher and editor Brian Walton.

Following are highlights from Saturday minor league action, which is the first games against external competition held against the Nationals. Memphis and Springfield hopped on the buses to West Palm Beach while Palm Beach and Peoria remained at the complex in Jupiter, Florida.

Pitching was once again ahead of hitting in the Cardinals’ minors action on Saturday with the exception of Triple-A Memphis, which went on to lose 12-7. Double-A Springfield and Low-A Peoria, though, took victories thanks to solid pitching while High-A Palm Beach dropped a 2-1 affair.

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 two dozen 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.

Saturday’s Pitcher of the Day – Evan Kruczynski, Springfield

Evan Kruczynski (Steve Mitchell/Imagn)

After a brief cameo in big-league camp with the Cardinals, Kruczynski made his first official start of the spring, tossing three shutout innings against the Nationals Double-A affiliate Harrisburg. The big lefty struck out three and issued one free pass on the day.

TCN’s 2019 No. 17 prospect threw two scoreless innings in relief in his only outing in big-league camp. Kruczynski comes off a season in which he perhaps took the biggest step forward of any pitcher in the system in 2018.

He has backend starter potential at the major-league level and could open this year at Memphis after making a solid impression in the Arizona Fall League.

Saturday’s Hitter of the Day – Scott Hurst, Memphis

Scott Hurst (State College Spikes)

Hurst continues his strong spring with a homer in a two-for-two afternoon for Memphis. He has hit for the cycle in West Palm Beach games now, collecting a home run, a triple and double for the Cardinals in big-league camp earlier this spring.

TCN’s No. 40 prospect performed well, but was limited in a 2018 season during which he was on the disabled list four different times. He spent the majority of the year at Peoria while getting a taste of Palm Beach to finish the season.

Hurst should open next year at either Palm Beach or Springfield to open 2019.

Get the entire picture! The Cardinal Nation members can check out the full list of minor league spring training attendees 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.

Memphis (2-1) 7 at Fresno 12

Memphis pitching

  • Connor Jones – 1.0 IP, BB – Sinkerballer made the transition to relief late last season and saw an uptick in velocity

Memphis hitting

  • Scott Hurst (CF) – 2-for-2, R, HR, 2 RBI – See Above
  • Chase Pinder (DH) – 2-for-4, R, 2B – TCN’s No. 49 Prospect, who should patrol center field at Springfield in 2019

Springfield (1-2) 1 at Harrisburg 0

Springfield pitching

  • Evan Kruzcynski – 3.0 IP, BB, 3 K – See Above
  • Sam Tewes – 2.0 IP, 2 K – 2016 eighth-round pick out of Wichita State looking to rebound after an injury-plagued 2018
  • Ramon Santos – 1.0 IP, 2 K – Dominican arm working to recover at Springfield after stumbling there last year.
  • Roel Ramirez – 1.0 IP, 2 K – Acquired in the Tommy Pham trade; relief arm who also saw a velo spike after making transition to bullpen.

Springfield hitting

  • Rayder Ascanio (SS) – 2 BB – Slick fielding shortstop acquired from Seattle in the Mike Leake deal in August 2017.

Palm Beach (2-1) 1 vs. Potomac 2

Palm Beach pitching

  • Kodi Whitley – 1.0 IP, H, R, BB, 3 K – 2017 27th rounder thrived as a multi-purpose arm for Peoria last year.
  • Jake Dahlberg – 2.0 IP, 2 K – Older lefty excelled in the lower levels thanks to guts and guile. Will have to prove himself against upper-level competition because of age.

Palm Beach hitting

  • Zach Kirtley (1B) – 1-for-2, HR, K, RBI – 2017 fifth-round pick spent the entire year at Peoria in 2018 as a utility-man.

Peoria (3-0) 4 vs. Hagerstown 1

Peoria pitching

  • Tommy Parsons – 2.0 IP, 5 K – Former Division III standout signed with the Cardinals last summer; had a successful pro debut at Johnson City and looks primed to make the full-season leap.
  • C.J. Saylor – 1.0 IP, 2 K – Righty with swing-and-miss stuff, but again, will have to prove himself against more age-appropriate competition ahead.

Peoria hitting

  • Malcom Nunez (3B) – 1-for-2, 2B, RBI – DSL Triple Crown winner picks up right where he left off from his pro debut. Will he open at Peoria?
  • Luis Flores (2B) – 2-for-2 – 22-year old looks to break into full-season ball after five years at the rookie levels.

Saturday’s games: 

The Cardinals minor league affiliates all return to the Jupiter complex on Sunday for camp games. 1 p.m. ET first pitches.

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!

Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system. Annual members may purchase the new 2019 Prospect Guide PDF for less than half price. In addition, out limited edition printed and bound Guides are going fast, so get yours today!

Follow Derek Shore on Twitter @D_Shore23.

© 2019 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Springfield Cardinals Welcome New Manager Joe Kruzel

photo: Joe Kruzel (Springfield Cardinals)

New Springfield Cardinals’ manager Joe Kruzel had a memorable first evening in town as he was introduced to the team and the area.

“I didn’t expect a tornado on my first day,” Kruzel said.

But when the St. Louis Cardinals first notified him that he would take over their Double-A club as their sixth manager in franchise history, Kruzel said he pulled over on the side of the road in his hometown of Hamilton, OH and screamed out of his car as farm director Gary LaRocque was on the other line.

Joe Kruzel and farm director Gary LaRocque (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

“It was a very emotional day for me,” Kruzel said. “It really was. To be in a situation where you have been in the lower-levels for all that time and to have the opportunity to be put in a position, I’m very grateful to Mr. DeWitt, Mo, Girsch and Gary to have entrusted in me to be the leader of this 2019 Springfield Cardinals.

“I’m humbled and I’m honored to be that person here this year.”

Kruzel was officially introduced as the 2019 skipper on Thursday night as part of a meet-and-greet event with the Springbirds Red Access Members, essentially season-ticket holders.

The Cardinals officially named Kruzel as their Springfield manager last month. He has a mark of 369-340 in seven seasons as a minor league manager, including six managerial seasons with the Cardinals and one with the Cincinnati Reds organization.

Kruzel said he is looking forward to managing at Double-A for the first time in his professional coaching career. He said his philosophy as a coach is to create an atmosphere for the players to enjoy coming to the ballpark.

Joe Kruzel (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

“We’re trying to prepare these guys to win in St. Louis,” Kruzel said. “We are trying to get them physically, emotionally and mentally prepared here so they can do the job in St. Louis to help the Cardinals win championships.”

Kruzel also understands that Double-A, especially the Texas League, is a different animal compared to the lower levels of the minor leagues.

There are fewer opponents, hitting considered to be more advanced and longer travel.

Kruzel said the biggest difference at Double-A is the players are going to have to start producing rather than just developing their skills.

Joe Kruzel (State College Spikes)

Asked to assess the talent that could come through Springfield in 2019, Kruzel assumes it will be very similar to years past. His expectation is they will feature some talented players that are developing and on the cusp of contributing in the big leagues.

Kruzel recalled advice he recently received from former Cardinals All-Star and now minor league hitting instructor Ryan Ludwick over dinner.

“He looked at me and said, ‘Be yourself,’’’ Kruzel recalled Ludwick saying. “I have watched you over the years and I keep my eye on you. He said, ‘Don’t go there and be someone you’re not. Just go there and be yourself.’”

Kruzel expects to report to Jupiter, FL on Feb. 15 to help out in big-league camp. He should also be among those in STEP Camp with the rest of the minor leaguers reporting soon after.

Springfield will break camp on March 30 and open the season on the road at NW Arkansas (KC) on April 4. Opening Day at Hammons Field is set for April 11 against the Naturals as well.


What is next

Derek Shore will be back for another season as The Cardinal Nation’s Springfield Cardinals beat reporter. Catch his in-depth team reports, exclusively for TCN members, posted each Thursday morning all season long.


Bonus for members of The Cardinal Nation

Two Cardinals Minor Leaguers Move On


Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.


Get TCN’s New 2019 Prospect Guide

Order The Cardinal Nation’s 190-page 2019 Prospect Guide now – available in PDF and printed book form.


Follow Derek Shore on Twitter @D_Shore23.

© 2019 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

2018 Springfield Cardinals Team Review

photo: Tommy Edman (Springfield Cardinals FANatic Photos)

The Springfield Cardinals of the Double-A Texas League had one of their more down seasons in recent memory by the wins and losses, but certainly held their own considering a young team adapting to an advanced league and plenty of roster turnover in the process.

Despite not making the postseason for the second straight season, the S-Cards had many new arrivals earn a chance to develop at Double-A and the organization enhanced their depth in arms from trades that contributed at Springfield by the end of the season.

Not only that, but more importantly, Springfield played a big role in Triple-A Memphis’ current playoff run to the Pacific Coast League title.

A lofty 15 Springbirds from the 2018 season are on the Redbirds postseason roster. That number swells to 18 if you count injured Ryan Helsley, Landon Beck, and Andrew Morales.

Springfield manager Johnny Rodriguez explained with all of the transactions at the top in St. Louis with the youth movement at the major-league level – many were pushed to higher levels to backfill despite not quite being ready for that next step of competition.

Ramon Urias (Springfield Cardinals)

“Some other guys took advantage of that and really took steps forward,” Rodriguez said, listing Tommy Edman, Ramon Urias and Edmundo Sosa as examples. “It’s a good (recipe). There is always a positive. We want to win, no doubt. But you want to create a winning culture at the low levels going up. As long as you have a continuity of development, players moving and playing at this level, learning how to play to this level and getting ready for the next level. Then you will always have a pipeline going right to the big leagues.

“You can see from (Harrison) Bader to (Tyler) O’Neill to (Paul) DeJong to (Dakota) Hudson, and (Austin) Gomber. They all are from the pipeline. You take a (few) out of the picture and they are all Cardinals. The continuity of developing players at each level to get to the next level is going to help our major-league club – and it shows.”

Team Summary

The 2018 edition of the Cardinals featured a lot of inconsistency, mostly due to their youth while playing in a league that this year was considered older, according to Rodriguez.

With a 33-37 first half and 27-42 second half, the club ended a combined 60-79 on the season, a dismal .432 winning percentage. That is the worst mark in the division and just a half-game from worst in the league.

On a positive note, the Cardinals finished only two games out in the first half, but still finished in last place. They played .500 ball at home (19-17), but struggled to grind out wins on the road (14-20).

The second half was a different story.

Springfield had losing records both home (15-18) and away (12-24), finishing 13 games out of first, in fourth/last-place.

“We were less experienced than the other teams in our division that play each other a lot,” Rodriguez said. “I thought there was a lot of positives from an individual standpoint. We didn’t have that bad of a year. I think we added some real good arms. A lot of players here that weren’t ready. Those players got some experience. It could have been worse, to be honest.”

By month

The Texas League is a full-season league made up of a 140-game regular season, which began April 5 and concluded on September 3. The eight-team league is divided into two divisions with the Cardinals Double-A club placed in the North.

Springfield got out of the gates strongly, taking 13 of 22 games in April. The offense led the way with a .282 average, but the pitching was exposed as its 4.82 ERA indicates.

The Cardinals offense slowed down to a .249 collective average in May and the club dropped 17 of 31 games, but still remained in first with a half-game lead.

Chris Chinea and Johnny Rodriguez (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

But as the first half wound down, Springfield lost 11 of its final 17 games as they fell from first to last-place in the matter of three weeks. Arkansas won the first-half title.

“The first half with the bullpen we had – you look at Arkansas – they are all second year in this league and older guys,” Rodriguez said. “Same goes with Tulsa and Northwest (Arkansas). They kept their guys a long while and that hurt. “

As the records reset, Springfield could not find any early momentum, losing nine of its first 10 games in the second half. The Cards followed up a dismal June (7-19) with a much-improved July (16-14) as they entered the dog days of August in third-place with a 17-22 record, three and half games out of first in the second-half race.

The key behind their success was a more stabilized bullpen.

That said, the Cardinals lost that momentum again and finished with a disappointing 10-19 record over the final 29 games.

Lane Thomas (Springfield Cardinals)

“With all of our movement, I’m not going to look at the record,” Rodriguez said. “I’m going to look at all the positives. We did continue to fight and continued to play hard. A lot of positives came out of (Lane) Thomas, Edman, Sosa, (Chris) Ellis, (Evan) Mendoza getting the experience here, and Andy Young.

“We held our own in a league that this year was older. We had a right-handed lineup. We didn’t have that bad of a year. I think we gave up leads towards the seventh inning – 17 or 18 (times). The bullpen hurt the team’s performance. When you blow over 20 games when you have the lead after the seventh, you split that and just blow 10 – I’m in first-place or a game and a half or two with three left playing (Tulsa) for the (second-half) championship.

“In the first-half, we blew more than the second half reliever-wise and we were two games out and we were right there the second to last game of the first half. So to me, you put all that into context and it is not a bad year.”

Age

In aggregate, Springfield was younger than most of its competition.

Of the eight teams in the league, both the Cardinals hitters and pitchers averaged out as the second youngest in the Texas League. Specifically, the position players were 23.5 years of age compared to the league average of 23.8.The hurlers averaged 23.6, a half-year under the TL average of 24.1.

The pitching

As an organization, the Cardinals have traditionally been known for their pitching. This year’s version of the S-Cards were led by the offense, however.

A key reason behind Springfield’s struggles in 2018 was the 4.58 team ERA, seventh in the eight-team league.

Anthony Shew (Andrew Miller/Palm Beach Cardinals)

20 different pitchers started for Springfield in 2018, including Anthony Shew with 19, Connor Jones with 17, and Jake Woodford with 16. Big-league rehabbers Adam Wainwright, Carlos Martinez, and Michael Wacha also started games.

The 2018 pitching staff, tutored by first-year pitching coach Darwin Marrero, logged the already mentioned ERA of 4.58. The league average ERA was 4.18.

Another negative about the Springfield pitching staff was the fewest amount of punchouts (991) in the league and couple that with the most free passes (505) does make for a good recipe for success on the mound.

With 70 hit by pitches, the Cardinals had the second-most in the league, trailing only Midland (OAK) with 79. They also served up the third-most long balls with 128 on the season.

In terms of baserunners, the Cardinals’ WHIP of 1.42 was sixth-worst in the Texas League. The league average was 1.36.

By contrast, Springfield’s starters (4.49 ERA) were much more effective than the relievers (4.70 ERA).

“I think even when we changed the starters – starters went five to six innings – the theme of the year was just the relieving core,” Rodriguez said. “We were not able to when were tied to hold it for us to go ahead. When we had the lead, we couldn’t hold it.”

The offense

Edmundo Sosa and Jobel Jimenez (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Under second-year hitting coach Jobel Jimenez, the Cardinals offense was a powerful group, ranking second in the league with 149 homers.

Although, Springfield was sixth in runs per game (4.46), compared to the most prolific offense in the league at 4.94. The league-average was 4.59.

The Cards were just fifth in batting average at .260 and seventh with a .319 on-base percentage. However, they were second with a .408 slugging percentage and fourth with a .727 OPS.

In counting stats, the Cardinals were dead-last in doubles (205) and seventh with only 21 triples.

A shortfall across the entire system, including the big-league club, is stolen bases. Springfield stole just 69 bags, second-fewest in the league.

The defense

Fielding was a strong suit for the 2018 Cardinal,s an emphasis under the defensive-minded manager Rodriguez.

The club’s fielding percentage was tops in the league at .982 and they turned the third-most double plays with 332.

The catching was also a strength as Springfield had the third-fewest passed balls (nine). The catching corps threw out only 29 percent of attempted basestealers, though. That is only sixth in the league. The league average is 31 percent.

The roster

Andrew Knizner (Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports)

The 25 players on the active Opening Day roster included a whopping 14 returning players who spent time at Double-A last season.

From among those returnees, Ryan Helsley, Andrew Knizner, and Randy Arozarena headlined the initial roster. Although Arozarena spent much of the 2018 campaign at Memphis, Helsley missed a lot of the season with a shoulder issue and Knizner had two stints up at Triple-A.

Tommy Edman, John Nogowski, Connor Jones and Darren Seferina were also key returnees, though the latter was released after only 20 games due to a slow start.

The Cardinals Opening Day roster also featured 11 newcomers, led by Jake Woodford, Conner Greene, Sam Tewes, Hector Mendoza, Edmundo Sosa and Ramon Urias.

In addition, there were several brand-new Cardinals, including breakout star Lane Thomas, power-hitting outfielder Victor Roache, and Granden Goetzman, who was released in late June.

Johnny Rodriguez and Victor Roache (Springfield Cardinals FANatic Photos)

As the season went on, the Cardinals added a number of players from High-A who contributed – position players Evan Mendoza, Andy Young, Stefan Trosclair, Blake Drake, Johan Mieses and Chase Pinder. Pitchers Anthony Shew, Mike O’Reilly, Casey Meisner, Evan Kruczynski, Austin Warner, Junior Fernandez, and Will Latcham also joined the club.

Derian Gonzalez, who is on the Cardinals 40-man roster, joined the club after rehabbing from an injury with the Gulf Coast League Cardinals.

In-season acquisitions made an impact to the team’s success as well. Those joining Springfield through trades include Genesis Cabrera, Seth Elledge, Roel Ramirez and Elniery Garcia, all pitchers.

Others who contributed include Thomas Spitz (released), Jeremy Martinez, Chris Chinea and Luke Dykstra (released). Pitchers include Ramon Santos, Matt Pearce, Jacob Evans (released), Landon Beck, Estarlin Arias, Ian McKinney (released), Yeison Medina, Austin Sexton, and Colton Thomson.

In total, Springfield made 175 player transactions this season.

Team standouts

Tommy Edman (Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports)

Rodriguez noted a number of standouts on this year’s Springfield team.

The second-year manager admitted Edman stood out the most, “developing into a sound hitter and really made strides as an offensive guy.”

Another standout was Andrew Knizner.

“Knizner got so much better defensively,” Rodriguez said. “That’s a big positive. He can hit and is going to hit. He has got some things to clean up offensively, but he is going to hit. He got so much better defensively.”

Here were the rest of Rodriguez’s comments on standouts for this season.

“Sosa took advantage of playing a lot,” Rodriguez said. “Mendoza took advantage. Young played a lot. We have added some good arms in (Elniery) Garcia, (Roel) Ramirez, (Genesis) Cabrera, and (Seth) Elledge.

“We had a good addition in (Johan) Mieses. He is a kid that is still young and has some potential with the power. (Victor) Roache didn’t last the whole year. He could have had a better average, but showed some improvements.

“Lane Thomas was a really big surprise. He was solid year here and has done very good up in Triple-A. So has Edman and so has (Ramon) Urias. Urias was a nice addition. He is a guy that can help. His bat has potential. You have (Randy) Arozarena. Sosa held his own in Triple-A. He got called up and has done an adequate job up there as well.”

In conclusion

As a team, the 2018 Springfield Cardinals had a predominantly young team with an up-and-coming pitching staff, powerful offense, and superb defense. While the competition in the division proved to be older and wiser, the Cardinals held their own. From the development perspective, the club provided many battle-tested players to Triple-A who continue to help Memphis in their playoff run.

“The theme of it – a lot of positives,” Rodriguez assured. “Don’t look at the record – look at the players advanced and all the transactions. Players moved up that Triple-A needed to fill. We sent them up to Triple-A. They have been successful there.”

For more

Link to master article with all 2018 award winners, team recaps and article schedules for the remainder of this series. Of course, that will include our selections as the Springfield Cardinals Reliever, Starting Pitcher and Player of the Year.

Bonus for members of The Cardinal Nation:

Memphis Redbirds Notebook – 2018 Week 23 – Playoffs

Not yet a member?

Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.

Follow Derek Shore on Twitter @D_Shore23.

© 2018 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Teen Herrera Learns from Taste of Double-A

photo: Ivan Herrera (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Ivan Herrera has quickly proven to be one of the better hitters in the lower levels of the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system.

Ivan Herrera (St. Louis Cardinals)

First, he was one of the best hitters in the Dominican Summer League last year as a 17-year old in his professional debut.

Now, he comes off a season as one of the best hitters in the Gulf Coast League as an 18-year old, hitting .348 over 28 games in his first season stateside.

“This year was awesome for me,” Herrera said through teammate Chris Chinea, serving as interpreter. “I have had two really good years. I have worked hard for two years. It has worked out very well.”

Emerging as a catching prospect

Herrera first made a name for himself with his performance on the international tournament circuit for Panama as a teenager.

Ivan Herrera (El Siglo)

In fact, he was named Most Valuable Player of the U16 Pan Am Baseball Championship two years ago, and the Cardinals signed him for $200,000 in the first week of the 2016 international signing period.

Herrera didn’t turn 17 until two days before the DSL season started last year but still ended as one of its top performers, finishing in the top 10 in both batting average (.335) and on-base percentage (.425). The right-handed hitter finished just one RBI off the team lead and was tops among DSL Cardinals with his 15 doubles.

He was solid behind the dish as well, cutting down 40 percent of attempting-to-steal baserunners at 34 of 85. After the season, Baseball America named him to their DSL All-Star squad and ranked as their No. 31 prospect in the Cardinals system.

“I worked every day, giving 100%,” Herrera said. “Every day I went to the field with a purpose and worked hard on a specific thing. Every day I got better at something else.”

Based on his performance, the Cardinals brought Herrera to the U.S. in 2018 and he kept on hitting with the GCL Cards. He did that while dealing with the rigorous challenge of assimilating to a new culture and learning the English language.

Herrera said he often leaned on his teammates to help him understand English and had a goal to learn a new word each day.

“Little-by-little you just get more comfortable and comfortable,” Herrera said. “The English starts coming. It was easier to understand everyone, trying to make everything easier and smoother.”

That said, had it not been for a hamstring injury that sidelined him for two weeks, Herrera would have ranked third in the GCL in average and fifth with a .923 OPS.

“It was tough for me because that was the first time I have ever missed any type of playing time,” he added.

Working on his overall game

Herrera did open the eyes of many scouts, though.

Considered an offense-first catcher, Herrera is short to the ball with a compact right-handed swing. He has a knack for hard contact – to the pull-side and up the middle – and elevates enough balls to project for double-digit home run power in the future.

Herrera thinks his power will eventually show up down the road, but just tries to stay within himself for now.

“I just take my at-bats and I approach (pitchers) the same way every time,” Herrera said. “I don’t want to get desperate up there. The power numbers will come. I am young. I am learning and getting all this information and how to apply it.”

Defensively, Herrera is built well for a receiver with a broad back and thick legs. He features adequate hands, good instincts, and above-average arm strength, showing enough of a foundation to stick at catcher.

Some scouts say his blocking and footwork need improvement, however.

“(I was just working on my) all-around (catching) – just locking it down in in the bullpens,” Herrera said of his improvements this season. “With the drills down there in Florida, I worked on the transfers with my throws, my footwork, and just working on blocking/receiving. I am just pretty much working to get better at everything, because no one is perfect.

“You have to get better every day. As good as I am right now, I have to keep on improving and get better and better and better because there is a lot of players and you have to be ready for any opportunity. You have to be ready to compete.”

Added one scout, “He’s ahead of his peers in his work ethic and feel for the game.”

Filling in at Springfield with an outlook for 2019

When Herrera was promoted from the GCL to Springfield on August 30, there was confusion by some who follow the Cardinals minor leagues.

A day later, however, catcher Andrew Knizner backfilled Carson Kelly at Memphis for the Pacific Coast League playoffs, so Herrera was only assigned to the S-Cards to fill-in for the final weekend series against Tulsa.

When Herrera made his Double-A debut last Sunday, he became the first-ever player born in the 21st century to suit up for Springfield.

“I give credit to all my hard work and the coaching staff,” Herrera said. “Be a good teammate, good clubhouse guy and have a good attitude. I have just come to the field every day working hard, getting better at something every day whether it is English, baseball, or something.

“Just getting better at that every single day.”

Although Springfield manager Johnny Rodriguez deferred comment on Herrera because of a limited viewing, he did like what he saw from spring training.

“I liked what I saw,” Rodriguez said. “I liked his potential.”

After excelling in his first season stateside, Herrera is already thinking about his preparation for this offseason and what his 2019 may entail – whether he starts at Low-A Peoria or in extended spring training.

“Going into the offseason, I need to get my body in better shape,” Herrera said. “I need to lose a couple of pounds. Get in better shape this offseason and get to a right body weight that I want to play at. I have some goals for next year and I am ready to play wherever they put me.

“Wherever they put me, I will be ready to play. I have those goals ready for next year and hopefully I will get my body in shape and be ready baseball-wise in all aspects of the game – be ready to compete coming up next year.”

Follow Derek Shore on Twitter @D_Shore23.

© 2018 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Latcham Brings Energy and Gets Mound Results

photo: Will Latcham (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)

Will Latcham is one of the more vibrant relievers you will find in the St. Louis Cardinals system.

He wants to carry all that energy with him on the mound.

“I try to just be a pound-for-pound guy,” Latcham said. “I am going to attack the strike zone at all costs and throw the ball as hard as I can whatever pitch it is – curveball or fastball. Throw it 120 percent. When I’m on that mound, it is my game. It is not theirs.”

Latcham has quickly emerged as a fast-rising late-inning relief prospect in the Cardinals organization, becoming only the second player taken from the 2017 draft to reach Double-A Springfield this season.

“It is definitely nice knowing that they almost trust me,” Latcham said. “But I’ve got to keep working. I don’t want to be satisfied being here (at Double-A). That doesn’t change anything. It is still the game of baseball. I still have to go out there and perform to stay here. It is not a given thing.

“There are people behind me trying to catch up, so that is how it is. It is just a dog-eat-dog environment.”

Relief weapon at Coastal Carolina

Latcham, a Briarcliffe, Pa. native, was a starting pitcher during his entire high school career, from his time on the mound at Cardinal O’Hara to his two-year stint in junior college.

Will Latcham (Coastal Carolina University)

When he joined Coastal Carolina in 2017 – the defending national champions – the coaching staff put him in the bullpen.

“They wanted me to close there,” Latcham said. “That was the best way to help them out, so I did that.”

But Latcham first had to earn the coaching staff’s trust as he was the team’s set-up man for a few appearances before he could take on the closer’s role.

Latcham adjusted well to being a reliever, going 3-0 with four saves and a 1.05 ERA at Coastal Carolina in 2017. He relishes pitching in high-leverage situations and doing whatever it takes to help his team win.

In fact, he has always had that competitive nature – dating back to when he was a kid.

“I used to play hockey back in my day,” Latcham said. “I guess that has a purpose in it. It is just my motivation, trying to keep climbing the ladder and be successful in this game.”

Fast-rise as a Cardinal

Latcham reaped the benefits of moving to the bullpen as he was drafted by the Cardinals in the 17th round shortly after his 2017 college season concluded.

He never pictured himself reaching this point, but it is the start of another dream. He made one dream by pitching at Coastal Carolina after spending two years at Cumberland County Community College.

“It’s something I will never forget,” Latcham said. “It was a special moment. It was a good thing for my family, friends, and all the people that supported me through it. It was just everything that I worked for paid off.”

Will Latcham (State College Spikes)

Latcham did not skip a beat in his pro debut, posting a 2.05 ERA over 18 games for Low-A (short-season) State College. The right-hander struck out 41 batters and converted four saves in five chances through 30 ⅔ innings for the 2017 Spikes.

“What’s really not to like about the young man?”, State College manager Joe Kruzel said. “He’s a very competitive young man. He’s got a plus fastball with a plus power curveball. He shows some signs of having a feel for a changeup and we wish he would’ve thrown it more. That is what I was trying to get him to throw late in the year – to throw his changeup more, which he started to do.

“He’s got three pretty nice pitches. That fastball’s firm and his curveball is close to a 12-6. It’s probably not exactly a 12-6 but it’s sharp and it’s late. He’s another guy that threw strikes. He may have got tired towards the end of the year but he threw strikes, competed, and attacked hitters.”

Added Latcham, “As soon as they step into that box, it is your box. As long as you attack and can control your pitches, I think you will be successful.”

Latcham came into this spring with a lot to prove and earned a day in big-league spring training.

“That was awesome,” he said. “To be put in front of the lights. I didn’t play obviously, but just the opportunity to get to watch the guys that are paid who are doing it and making all that money. It is just good to learn from those guys, talk to them, and see what helped them in their routes to get there.”

Will Latcham (Andrew Miller/Palm Beach Cardinals)

Following spring training, the 22-year old opened his first full season at High-A Palm Beach, where he was once again the closer. Latcham had a 3.00 ERA in 34 games and notched nine saves in 13 chances, helping the team to a first-half title in the Florida State League South Division.

“(I’m) just sticking to my approach, attacking and trying to get ahead of hitters,” Latcham said as he reflected on his success with the Beach Birds. “Once you get ahead, just put them away and keep executing each pitch you have. Don’t give up and keep throwing as hard as I can every time I can.”

On July 5, Latcham was promoted to Double-A Springfield, where he helped shore up a floundering bullpen.

His presence was immediately noticed.

“(He has) makeup,” Springfield manager Johnny Rodriguez said. “Not afraid of the situation. Not afraid of a challenge. Not afraid of a stressful inning. He can come in with the bases loaded and no outs, first and second one out, and he is the same guy. Not perfect always, but I love bringing him out when things are down when the ships are about to go on fire or everything is chaotic.

“He is a stabilizer.”

After going 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA in 10 games at Springfield, Latcham returned to Palm Beach to help them out in their playoff run.

While scouts say he has the potential to be a solid major-league middle reliever down the road, Latcham wants improve the control of his secondary pitches for now.

“Just being able to control my secondary pitches – curveball and changeup,” Latcham said. “Being able to throw them in any count will really help me out towards the job.”

Follow Derek Shore on Twitter @D_Shore23.

© 2018 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.