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I’m actually pleased with what “the haul” was today. A couple drafts and many international guys just haven’t panned out. At least he restocked the cupboard most likely with players better than he would’ve received just taking additional supplemental draft picks for potential free agents. It gives them room to make a better offseason deal with the outfielders and other pieces showcasing themselves (and hopefully staying healthy) the rest of the season. Hopefully, the motions for an offseason deal are already in the process with the trade deadline talks.
I’m a bit surprised that Nathaniel Heredia didn’t get more notice on your top 50 as he is listed on the Cardinals site top 30. (Honestly, it is all a crapshoot what these guys will actually do staying healthy or further their tools) Just curious as to why? Was it the initial drug testing? Lack of consistency? He brings the heat and strikes more than a batter an inning.
I don’t know Cardsfan64, but I watched some profiles and he was being clocked at 93-94 and his curve and change up had 10 mph of difference. I couldn’t find any other source saying he signed with the Cardinals though.
I would rather have Trevor Rogers than Lopez from what I have seen of both pitchers. I think he would flourish here as Montgomery and Quintana did. A fastball changeup mix seems to work in St Louis for lefties and the big difference is he throws harder and his changeup is considered a plus pitch. He had issues with back spasms which I would want to know are behind him first, but I watched him dominate us and lose it do to his defense…like Alcantra struggles with.
“Wonder why the Stros backed off Menes”
Doesn’t look like they capped out. I haven’t found any articles either. No idea.
https://redbirdrants.com/2016/07/02/st-louis-cardinals-international-signings/
how quickly we forget even overspending on the top tier talent is a total crap shoot in the international market. I prefer the strategy of spreading the pool money out. 16-17 year old baseball players are kind of like 18 year old hockey players in the draft. No real clue what you are getting as they are still growing. You just hope the tool box may have something in it. Overall I’ve been pleased with our strategy. The six year and rule 5 thing seems to be what hurts the most. I kind of think the clock shouldn’t start until 18 years of age.
Found this article on Menes.
So he lets go of the ball halfway to home plate at 90+ mph now? Geez….this may be a fun prospect in a few years!
“You must have meant two times two! One in top 10, two in top 20, three in top 30 and four in top 40. The C pipeline looks ok to me.”
I’m thinking Luis Rodriguez would have to be one of the best of the rest at 17 years old Hitting .301 with an OPS of .820. He did miss quite a few games.
As someone who has been a Cardinal minor league nerd back to the days of LeRoy Grossini leading Florida State league shortstops in fielding pctg., I have to say we may have more talent now across the board more so than I ever remember. Since when have we had more starting pitchers, outfielders, and catchers than places to put them? If I see any hole for talent, then it is third base or we are a bit light up the middle. That is only because Gorman and Donavon aren’t really prospects anymore. Our record wasn’t the best last year, but our teams were so young compared to their competition. It is an exciting time to be a fan and have very tradeable talent to pick up that “missing” piece if we don’t have it already. We could trade two rotation pieces, an outfielder, and a catching prospect and not blink an eye to get a potential ace.
I think McGreevy’s “too hittable” may be attributed to lesser defense at the lower level. I really like him in the Matt Morris/Michael Wacha/Luke Weaver/Dakota Hudson Cardinal 1st round rotation pitcher mold. He’s a strike thrower as is Graceffo. I think AAA will be telltale for both. Let’s see who they do with the short porches and more experienced AAAA ball players. I see both in the future Cardinals rotation. I see Liberatore getting traded and passed by Hjerpe. Liberatore really needs to sharpen his control to move to the next level. He seemed to hit too much of the heart of the plate with his pitches, and he got pounded because of it. Until that gets fixed, He may be a number 4-5 starter on a below average team at best.
I remember them calling Verhagen rotation depth. I kind of felt like they were giving a whole lot of faith in guys with average stuff that performed below average in previous trials. Why would you expect above average results unless you think the law of averages would bring them to average eventually? Haha. I’m glad they have a different plan this year. Let’s see if above average strikeout rates and stuff lead to any above average or average results…if they can find the strike zone….
“I like Thompson and Woody both. The question is what kind of opportunities will they get this year. Staying healthy is an important attribute.”
Perhaps Verhagen goes on the long term DL with hurt feelings and this is a moot point….
Even if he flops, you can’t deny the raw tools he has flashed. Making contact isn’t as much of a thing as it used to be unfortunately. Really…he could drop to the bottom of the list or rise to the top of it this year as with many players. Exciting time to be a Cardinal minor league baseball fan! The pool is deep.
I may be in the minority, but I would like to see what we have in players and prospects and make a deal later if need be. It’s a risk, but we have a lot of young talent that may sort all of this out for us via attrition. Unless the right deal comes along to package up for an upgrade, let’s go! I don’t want to sign another Miller or Cecil who way under performs. Relievers just seem to be a roll of the dice. Like to see what Wilking Rodriguez brings. Looks the part.
Pretty excited about Bernal. May just be an anomaly, but his power numbers are very impressive for the Florida state league. Very rare to be on a pace for 20+ home runs, especially at 18. He takes Peoria hitting at that clip or better, then we have ourselves a top 5 prospect.
Well lets look at the pen today. You know the five starting pitchers. That leaves eight spots IF all are healthy!!! Might as well look for 10 !
1) Gallegos 4.75mil
2) VerHagen 3.0mil
3) Stratton 2.8mil
4) Helsley 2.0mil (estimate)
5) Hicks 1.8mil (est.)
6) Hudson 1.75mil (est)
7) Cabrera 1.1mil (est) LHPYeah jj….I think Verhagen is going to strain his shoulder wheeling his suitcase into spring training and may need to rest his shoulder long term….
I have been intrigued by Dalatri’s impressive stats, but I have never seen a write up on him as far as his stuff. Can anyone give some info on him? What is in his arsenal? What’s his go to pitch? He made a good jump this year as a bullpen arm.
Here’s a prediction…Woodford will be in the rotation… and by year’s end, it won’t be a discussion that he will be part of it the following year. He will be counted on.
I’m still sticking with
Heredia – good read as he is the 27th prospect on the Cardinals website. He has a mid 90s heater and a slider. Makes you wonder at his age if he may have more in the tank. Hopefully he learns to hit one with his pitches…..
Zuniga – triple digit to upper 90s heat and a nasty slider. He will get a long look
If he qualifies….
Wilking Rodriguez jumps WAY WAY up my ranking with a triple digit upper 90s sinking heater and a variety of weapons that should play at the next level. The Molina endorsement is a big one.I’m intrigued by a couple of the internationals.
Herrera had 14.6 k/9 at 17?
Suarez had a good season at 17 as well with lots of extra base hits.
