As a new voice reaches the pulpit, today’s first edition of Sowing Seeds marks the beginning for arguably St. Louis’ most visible short season club. The Cardinals took advantage of the Gulf Coast League last year in catapulting first-round pick Michael Wacha all the way to Springfield and hope to accomplish a similar move with Marco Gonzales. The lefty out of Gonzaga and second consecutive #19 pick can use the GCL proximity to bypass up to three levels this summer. He has yet to see any game action, but the same can not be said for an intriguing arm who also eyes a return to the Texas League.
Saturday marked the return to action for Jordan Swagerty, a forgotten name within the ranks of fast-moving hurlers. The Arizona State product has returned to the bullpen and can make up for lost time by showing the same arm that cruised thru the system in 2011 before Tommy John surgery. His rehab assignment with the GCL Cardinals spanned two successful innings and grabbed the White smoke award for the day.
In keeping with Conclave traditions, the normal Good, Bad, and Ugly feature used on occasion has been rededicated as White smoke (Good), Gray smoke (Bad), and Black smoke (Ugly). These opinions are solely the Preacher’s own and are entirely open for debate. Keep the comments coming, as the St. Louis Seedlings need plenty of sunlight and water to grow this summer. My initial take on the Top 15 prospects is also right around the corner, stay tuned!
Friday, June 21st
White smoke — Vaughn Bryan, Johnson City, 3-5 3 RBI’s, 2 SB’s, 1 3B, 1 2B, 1 R
Gray smoke — Adam Melker, Springfield, 0-4, K, 1-18 last 8 games
Black smoke — Ronnie Shaban, Palm Beach, 1.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 WP, BS
Saturday, June 22nd
White smoke — Swagerty, GCL Cards, 2 IP, 1 H, 2 SO
Gray smoke — Patrick Wisdom, Peoria, 1-5, HR, SO, 13th error, left bases loaded in ninth
Black smoke — Stephen Piscotty, Springfield, 0-4, BB, 6 LOB in debut
Sunday, June 23rd
White smoke — Carlos Martinez, Memphis, 7.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 SO
Gray smoke — Matthew Young, State College, 0-4, .143 average over 7 games
Black smoke — Nick Longmire, Palm Beach, 1-4, SB, 4 LOB, 3 SO including final out
Monday, June 24th
White smoke — Chris Perry, State College, 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO
Gray smoke — Hansel De Los Santos, Johnson City, 3 IP, 6 R, 5 H, 2 SO, 1 BB
Black smoke — Victor Marte, Memphis, 0 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 1 BB (4th consecutive scored-upon appearance)
