Couple of quick items (since work is crazy for me this week) from the STL P-D. First, the Cardinals cut nine minor leaguers of little recognition. The one name that caught my eye was Jameson Maj who was drafted recently and struck out his fair share of batters last year. Brian Walton has more information on each of the released prospects at The Cardinal Nation.
Second item: This is a dumb defensive arrangement. Rick Ankiel is just not that great a centerfielder relative to Rasmus. Maybe it’s to take the pressure off the kid or whatever but it’s giving away hits. I know Ankiel was fielding well last year before his injury, but he just isn’t the defensive natural that Rasmus is. Rick’s stats, while not the sample size I’d like to draw firm conclusions from, tend to support this as well. {Azru edit: I suspect people will slam this comment after a shaky defensive outing by Rasmus today. I stand by it.}
{Update 3:40pmCDT} Kevin Goldstein has a piece up on scouting some players in Florida. Colby Rasmus makes the article with more good reviews from scouts. Quick snippet:
“I like everything I see,” said one scout. “He has all five tools, and his instincts for the game could be a sixth.”
There’s also some positive notes on Jess Todd as a starting candidate in the not to distant future.
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maybe the reason we keep playing slick rick ankiel in center is because a centerfielder with proven power is a lot more attractive than a corner outfielder with power. keeping the options open for a trade. ankiel the centerfielder is more valuable than ankiel the corner. just a guess though.
I’m probabl in the minority here but I’m not convinced he should start out the year w/the Cards. There is so much pressure on Rasmus to do well that a few weeks w/Memphis might take some pressure off, work out some kinks. and then bring him up. I realize i’m in the minority here though. Does anyone know what the status is w/Robinson? Is he heading to Memphis soon?
Rasmus, not only had a shaky performance today, but he has had a shaky spring defensively. I know he’s a good defensive outfielder, better than Rick, but he hasn’t shown it so far.
Also the point about the trade value is valid as well. I don’t really have a problem with it. I suspect when Colby earns TLR’s trust he’ll be in CF and batting second.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with easing him into it.
I thought this was a bookend situation. He had a rough start, TLR pulled him aside and told him to relax, and then he was fine until today.
Has Ankiel played any corner positions this spring? Seems like I can only remember CF in the box scores where Ras has played every OF position and none on a semi-normal basis.
Liam is going to be heart broken that Maj was released.
Love that Scoutspeak!
The scout said that Todd “threw a two-seam splitty thing.”
I love it when they talk technical!
Yeah you right Azruavatar,
Ankiel should be playing right and Rasmus in center. I think Rasmus has a lot more
value to the team playing center, his defense shines there. Ankiel has a great arm for right field .
Rasmus must be uncomfortable in left and right because his couple of rotten plays that I recall
this spring (including today) happened in left and right .
Let’s just say I was very surprised and disappointed to find him not present in camp last week.
Here’s hoping he catches back on somewhere, he seems like a good guy and a capable pitcher.
Indy leagues, here he comes.