John Sickels had Shelby Miller as the 47th best pitching prospect in baseball entering 2010. I’d say that’s a touch low but Miller’s done nothing to dent his status as a blue chip arm this year.
Sickels also had his top 50 hitting prospects though no Cardinals made the list last year.
The Cardinals failed to make the PCL Top 20 list from Baseball America. As someone who has had concerns about Brett Wallace (#10 on the list) from the beginning, I’m getting the sense that evaulators are starting to turn against him a bit:
PCL observers did have concerns about Wallace’s offense, however. He has trouble pulling balls with authority, and managers felt he could be attacked on the inner half. He doesn’t clear his hips well in his swing, which makes scouts wonder how well his stroke will translate. His speed and mobility are well below-average and he’ll never be an asset defensively.
This seems more firmly worded than in the past though that may simply be my perception. He’s obviously still well regarded.
In the chat, BA’s Jim Shonerd noted that Lance Lynn was one of the last cuts from the Top 20 List.
Jordan Swagerty checks in from the AFL after their first three games.
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It would be interesting if we could get a discussion going on why people think we can finish 32 games above .500 at the AA/AAA levels with teams that are below league average age wise yet have only 1 prospect between the 2 teams (that contributed just 26 IP) that is considered in the top 20 for the 2 leagues. Is our managing or teamwork superior? Are we that much more solid across the board than other teams that we dont need stars? Our are stars simply the type that will max out prior to the majors? It does seem perplexing.
Its at least two factors. One is we have good depth. A second is that the top prospect lists are weighted toward bonus babies, while the Cards have few at these levels. Kozma is one, but he did not make the AA list. BA is unlikely to select Matt Carpenter for a Top 20 list, because of his age of entrance into pro ball. In past years, BA was excited over Darryl Jones, but he has had two poor years at AA and may never put it together.
Broderick had a good AA season, but he’s not a big bonus exciting pitcher. He must throw sinkers. Same with Brandon Dickson at AAA. Not high K rates.
Allen Craig is a good hitter, but he’s not a good defender and not young, and he was a little bonus signee. He’s not going to make a list. Mark Hamilton would need to stay healthy for a full season and sock 35 dingers to make a list. Lance Lynn got a good bonus so he came near to making the AAA honor roll.
Age is not a skill or physical tool. Its possible to have a young AA team and have no impact prospects. People used to get excited over Castillo, though he did not have the arm to warrant their hope.