In the latest prospect rankings list issued on Feb. 23, 2010 by BaseballAmerica.com, Cardinals’ 2009 first-overall draft pick Shelby Miller is the only Cardinal named on the list, which ranks 100 prospects.
Miller, a right-handed pitcher from Brownwood, Texas, is listed as the No. 50 prospect and the 23rd ranked pitcher.
Miller stands at 6-foot-four, 215 pounds and showcases a sinking fastball slider, a 12-6 curve ball, and a straight fastball that has topped out at 94 mph so far. He won’t be shifting careers or focus to something like online bingo, professional cards, or anything remotely outside the realm of baseball anytime soon. Many scouts believe that he still has more velocity to come if he learns to use his back foot better.
Even with the great talent of Miller in the farm system, Diamond Futures rated the Cardinals’ minor league system that worst in baseball. However, not much should be read in to that, simply because of what happened prior to last season.
Most of the Cardinals’ top prospects were prematurely called up before the 2009 season in order to fill roster gaps. Outfielder Colby Rasmus, infielders Tyler Greene and David Freese, and relievers Jason Motte, Kyle McClellan, Blake Hawksworth, and Chris Perez were all called to the big league club, essentially depleting the minor league system. Other players such as Nick Stavinoha and Shane Robinson also saw playing time at the big league level in the outfield.
Perez was traded mid-season to the Cleveland Indians for Mark DeRosa, and the clubs remaining prospects, third baseman Brett Wallace and RHP Clayton Mortensen, were traded to Oakland in the deal that brought Matt Holliday to St. Louis. Jaime Garcia, a top pitching prospect, sat out in 2009 after undergoing Tommy John surgery but will be a top contender for the No. 5 starting spot in 2010.
So essentially, the Cardinals had one of the top farm systems before last season, and would likely still be ranked as high if the top prospects weren’t needed in St. Louis so early. However, the call-ups worked well as Colby Rasmus put together one of the top statistical numbers among rookies, and Motte, McClellan, and Hawksworth all held significant roles in the bullpen for the entire season.
McClellan is also a candidate for the No. 5 starting spot.
Aside from Miller, outfielders Daryl Jones and Jon Jay, and third baseman Allen Craig are all heralded as the organizations top prospects. Jay could see some time as a fourth outfielder or a pinch-hitter, as could Daryl Jones. Craig could see some playing time if the Cardinals can’t find a solution at third base with Freese or Greene.
