I liked Ryan Sherriff when the Cards drafted him, in that late-round-interesting-arm kind of way, and he’s still pretty intriguing. The low K rate has to be concerning, but between the grounders and a walk rate barely over 1.00, I’m liking what I see so far. Maybe he can succeed moving up the ladder as a Joel Pineiro v. 2009 style pitcher. Even with my optimism, though, I’m not sure if there’s a real long track record for pitchers who strikeout so few hitters in the low minors to end up making meaningful contributions.

It shows the confidence level and the talent belief of the Cards decision makers to start him at JC.

For comparison’ sake, Bubba Starling the uber tools prospect for the Royals still hasn’t made his debut and he’s almost two years older. I know he has a minor hamstring tweak that has delayed him, but he started at extended last year and still hasn’t even made his league debut.

Kelly is fine…let the kid develop and not worry about the immediate results.