Cardinals Rounding into Form

When looking at just how unique the new Minor League model has started out, the internal debate quickly turned into something hard to explain. The game of baseball has always revolved around stats nearly as much as wins and losses unless you are a franchise that embraces tanking. After two weeks and not a single St. Louis affiliate even at .500, the scoreboard can officially be ignored. That’s how these weekly posts will be constructed, although no fault will be given to those that still hope your favorite team comes out ahead.

It does need to be said once more that thankfully all games were completed, and some cities are getting ever closer to having full stands. A summer of normalcy is all any of us can hope for so keep the hot dogs warm and the beverages cold! Memphis continues the trend of being a feeder program for the Majors as injuries pile up all across the game. Starting pitcher Thomas Parsons impressed during the spring but falls into the ‘too old to be a prospect’ category along with the Ponce de Leon’s of the baseball world.

Limiting walks (stop me if you have heard that lately) would put Parsons squarely in contention for a look very soon, especially if the Cardinals can’t find the strike zone in June. He profiles as another option to handle a spot start or the long man that could prove to be very needed if the bullpen keeps getting worked longer than the starters. In order to keep the pipeline moving, look for Springfield prospect Andre Pallante as the answer for the Redbirds on a promotion.

Pallante cruised thru his five innings last time out and certainly took advantage of the schedule by facing Arkansas twice this week. That will come in handy as the smaller righty moves up and possibly helps out of the pen both for Memphis as well as the Birds on the Bat. He should finish the summer ranked in the Top 20 on most lists for the Cards with an eye on pulling a Parsons next March.

Peoria slugger Jhon Torres knows all about turning heads and has done absolutely nothing to stop his trend towards knocking on the door as soon as 2022. Currently the highest ranked outfielder in the system according to MLB, Torres has gone from being included in any number of trade scenarios to positioning himself for an early look at Double A action. The SCards could use the offense, and the seventh ranked prospect for St. Louis just keeps smashing for the Chiefs. He carries a six-game hitting streak into this week with five being of the multi-hit variety.

A pair of teenagers have propelled Palm Beach along with last week’s contributor Jordan Walker. The Cardinals continue their catching factory with Roblin Heredia putting his name on the map with a strong start. The native of Venezuela doesn’t turn 19 until July but has shown plate discipline as well as a well-rounded approach at the plate that earned the early call-up from camp. Keep an eye on how the catching situation plays out this summer in addition to who might be throwing to him.

St. Louis fans should know the name Masyn Winn already but don’t let that stop the second round pick from last year’s draft from putting all his tools on display. Sharing the left side of the infield with Walker, Winn projects as an everyday shortstop who also just happens to pitch a little. He scored in eight consecutive games for Palm Beach while stealing six bases without being caught. The mound work will happen later in the summer, but Winn makes the organization look very smart as draft season is nearly upon us!

Our new normal still involves baseball and yelling at the TV, two things that go hand-in-hand. Hopefully at least for this scribe a trip to Springfield also will be taking place in the very near future with maybe Torres joining in that fun.

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