CRay says:

I’ll throw in my 2 cents, Matty (though I’m not sure it’s worth that much). I think the main reason Cox is in the AFL this fall is to get him some playing time this year without using one of his options. That is of some concern with Cox since he signed a contract that puts him on the 40-man roster. Playing him in the AFL this fall allows the Cards to get a look at him. Since the Cards were willing to add him to the 40-man, they must view him as being able to reach the majors within a couple of years. So, I suspect the Cards will take a look at him in Spring Training but I doubt they have any serious thoughts of him making the team this year. That obviously could change during the year if Freese goes down again and Cox is tearing up something like AA, assuming they start him that high (though his recent success in the AFL against such good competition makes such a placement more likely). There is also the question of the position he’ll play – third or second.