It’s that time of the year! SEPTEMBER CALL-UPS! Certainly an exciting time for us as the big club looks for that young spark and extra depth to prepare for the (hopeful) postseason run. Memphis didn’t make the playoffs, so that allows for prospects to be called up sooner. So far, the call-ups include Memphis catcher Audry Perez, Brock Peterson, and Ryan Jackson. Audry Perez will allow Tony Cruz to continue rehabbing his stress fracture. Brock Peterson will service as a backup first baseman/platoon outfielder/right-handed power bat off the bench. Ryan Jackson is an intriguing player. He’s got 2B, SS, 3B, and whatever you want him to play experience, but he’s been mostly used as a SS while in the minors. He struggled after the AAA All-Star break, allowing for Greg Garcia to get plenty of playing time (he’s done well by my watch, IMO). With Pete Kozma being Pete Kozma, everyone seems to be calling for Jackson to try and take the SS job, and we’ll see Jackson at SS at some point, but he won’t overtake Descalso or Kozma. Just here for infield depth, which never hurts.
Spikes Spot
Since the State College Spikes (Short-season A ball affiliate) are the only St. Louis Cardinals farm team to advance onto their respective playoff (NY-Penn League), we’ll be keeping an eye on the Spikes until their season ends. We still have a couple games left in the regular season, however, so be patient and we’ll have playoff baseball soon enough! Follow along with #SpikesSpot
Result: Won 3-1 over Jamestown.
Luke Voit did most of the damage for the Spikes tonight, with two hits and two RBI. Cesar Valera got in on the action as well, going deep for a home run and scoring another run on a Voit base hit. Vaughn Bryan added the third run scored. Andrew Pierce started for the Spikes and threw a one-hitter through four innings. Chase Brookshire came in and gave up the one Jammers run in three innings of relief. Brookshire would earn the win and Kyle Webb earned the two-inning save.
It didn’t happen tonight, but maybe these newbies will spark some life in the hapless-hitting big club tonight. Being shut-out in three straight games isn’t the greatest way to earn your spot in October. It’s going to be a wild September, but hey, that’s what makes baseball a great game, right? As always, PREACH ON, my friends!