Comments on: Daily Farm Report 6/23/08

By: Merry Crasmus

Merry Crasmus — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:21:09 +0000

Bob - I agree strikeouts will probably always be part of the tradeoff when it come to Edwards. Just a matter of to what extent. I think the concerns what happens with the K’s as he advances, and what that might do to his on base ability.

It’s possible the K rate could increase more as he moves - I don’t think he can afford that. It’s possible it stays the same - if that happens he’ll need to continue to crush the balls he does put in play…..But if he could even improve that contact rate just slightly, he’s got a great chance of soaring up people’s prospect lists, and through the system too.

What makes it all so interesting is that just about anything is possible with him.

By: erik

erik — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:46:43 +0000

I think Barton is also the victim of not getting regular playing time. He’s been less than advertised as far as the tools people said he has, but I think he’s better than he’s shown. The problem is we have so many dang OF’s.

By: Jake

Jake — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:34:51 +0000

I don’t know if the KTRS show from last night is archived anywhere, but it’s definitely worth looking for. It was Hadley’s show. He had Mozlieak on, then Luhnow. After that, it was going to be Moises Rodriguez and Mike Girsch. I didn’t hear the last two guys because I was already to my destination.

By: Hugo

Hugo — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:27:02 +0000

Best resource for signings.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/2008xteam.php?team=1019

Those not yet drafted from the first 30 rounds:

Brett Wallace (1), Aaron Luna (9), Mitch Harris (13, Navy), Scott McGregor (15), Jared Bradford (18), Brett Bruening (30)

By: siddfynch

siddfynch — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:50:21 +0000

The question is, is Barton really a sub-.700 OPS guy? I just don’t think he is….Agree that the fine play of the Cards OF raises the bar for everyone, but to say that Barton’s true abilities are what his numbers are now is not realistic…I could certainly see he and Schu’s number flip-flopping in the 2nd half.

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:29:17 +0000

I agree, MerryC, about Edwards–as big as he is, though (6′ 5″), I assume he’s got a pretty long swing & therefore may not cut down the K’s too much. If he keeps the walks and power and sound defense, however, even a .260-.270 average would be OK at the MLB level.

One more stellar outing by Richard Castillo, and I’m gonna start calling the 18-year-old “Baby Pedro.” He’s just waaaay too good for his age right now. I am having a hard time corralling my enthusiasm, guys. Someone tell me Castillo’s a 83 MPH junkballer, just to calm me down, please.

Great to see Colby homer off a LHP. His average v. southpaws has been solid all year, and maybe now we’ll start seeing some pop. By the way, Colby is now 37 for his last 100–his June numbers alone don’t reflect how long this transformation (or “return”, if you prefer) has been going on.

Based on what he’s done over the last month…and his phenomenal Spring Training…and his dominant Team USA performance…and his unstoppable final 150 PA’s last season, I’d say young Mr. Rasmus would be the 3rd-best hitter on the Cardinals *right now*. (And Skip’s trade value will never be higher. I’m just sayin’….)

An aside: with so many outfielders performing so darn well in the minors (Mather, Robinson, Jay, Jones), is there really any good reason to keep Brian Barton around?

I feel bad for Brian because his AB’s are so rare, but his productivity seemingly doesn’t warrant short-term MLB playing time (the DEfensive limitations don’t help), and his long-term value is likely no better than 2 or 3 of the aforementioned quartet. Can the Cards afford to keep using a roster spot for a sub-.700 OPS corner outfielder with a marginal throwing arm?

By: erik

erik — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:35:42 +0000

He was on KTRS last night? Is that archived anywhere?

By: Jake

Jake — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:29:48 +0000

I heard Luhnow on KTRS last night. He said they moved Castillo down to QC to get regular starts since Kopp and Garceau were/are coming off the DL. They were impressed with what he did at PB since he was the youngest player in the FSL and are looking forward to him being one of the younger players in the MWL.

By: Liam

Liam — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:19:24 +0000

See, I toldja not to worry about Maj. Wasn’t thrilled about him pitching in a tandem at first, but glad to see him getting the innings. Bet he doesn’t walk anyone in his next two starts, too.

As for the draft, the list including who’s signed is here., although it hasn’t been updated to reflect Nico Vasquez’ signing.

By: PJ

PJ — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:01:34 +0000

Batavia is an intriguing team to follow this year. It is sort of a who’s who of the draft.

Speaking of the draft—who has yet to sign, besides B Wallace?