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The source said “very similar to Kelly at the same stage.” Remember, Knizner also converted from third base to catcher as well.
Here is the complete list for those who do not know:
Pitchers (four):
Alcantara
Hicks
Arturo Reyes
LucasPosition players (four):
Knizner
Nogowski (taxi-squad)
Sosa
MercadoI checked in with a scout on his ability to handle a pitching staff and got this response:
“Looked very capable in the games I saw him. Good hands, frames well, and calls a good game.”
Covered Knizner extensively in feature article posted above. Question hasn’t been how he has handled a pitching staff, but framing pitches and “stealing strikes.”
Here was an update from Keith Law’s chat on Oviedo a few days back:
Dan: Is Johan Oviedo the next big Cardinals pitching prospect? Has a ways to go but it seems like the upside is quite substantial.
Keith Law: Upside is huge. Also, over/under on times I refer to him as Juan Carlos: 2.5.
Could be a combination of limiting innings and prepping for a big-league relief role, but should be noted the Springfield coaching staff has mentioned cutting starters workloads for some time now.
Helsley has been impressive over the last two years. Touched 98 again tonight. Good curve. Still needs a reliable third pitch to remain a starter. Would be an exceptional power armed reliever.
Schlesener was on the verge of a another stellar outing tonight before rain: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K. His previous outing he twirled six-no hit frames with 13 punchouts. Granted he’s 20-years old and in Rookie Ball still, but have to be a little impressed. Projectable left-handed starting pitchers do not grow on trees. He should definitely be in the prospect rankings this fall, especially since he has gotten his walks under control of late.
This is also a good place to name the Cardinals candidates for the AFL as well.
Here were some mentioned on the Open Forum:
Infielders:
Seferina
Sosa
Mejia
Edman
AlvarezOutfielders:
O’Neill (possibly)
Adolis Garcia
Mercado
Martini
Arozarena
Drake
McElroyCatchers: Knizner
Pitchers:
Hudson
Flaherty
Poncedeleon
Alcantara
Helsley
Gallen
Pearce
Evans
Morales
Arturo ReyesList any other names below or suggestions
In second Double-A start, Ryan Helsley hurls 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball for Springfield, fanning eight. Fastball hit 99 in last frame.
— Derek Shore (@D_Shore23) August 7, 2017
In terms of position players, I would also throw Alvarez into that mix given he missed two full months due to injury. Arozarena is another possibility. Perhaps McElroy, barring his health.
As far as pitchers, an AFL opportunity for Hudson and Flaherty would put them in position to compete for the fifth starter spot, assuming Lynn leaves. Maybe even Poncedeleon, who will be approached about starting up a rehab per the P-D. Other names: Alcantara, Helsley, Gallen, Evans, and Morales.
Seems as if Hudson’s promotion to Memphis will be made official at some point today or tomorrow. Helsley is not listed in the upcoming probables for Palm Beach, so there is that. A promotion for him is overdue.
When healthy, Seferina’s a stronger prospect than Valera and Mejia. More power (of the gap variety) than both and better defensively at every infield positions than Valera, who is questionable in that regard. Plus he has usable speed, to boot. He is not just a one-dimensional player. I like Edman the most as a utility-type. Alvarez is interesting because he can only play second base and the jury is still out on Sosa as an everyday player or utility guy, but both are having lost seasons.
It could be argued Edman has leapfrogged Sosa as the everyday shortstop at Springfield now that he is performing.
