Here is Part One of the this Series.
Today we dig back into the Top 30 prospects and figure out what we have and whether they are useful for the coming season. Soon, I believe, we will start making deals and get whatever we get.
Prospects 25-21
#25- Zach Jackson
Jackso was drafted in the 6th round of the 2017 draft as a high school catcher that had plans to play for Florida. He is a good lefty bat which is unique for his position but he is a bit of a swing hard and miss type guy with raw power. He may eventually move to first base as he is not real agile behind the plate.
He played in 14 games with 41 at-bats with four hits and he walked 10 times and fanned in 20 plate appearances. This prospect is a long way from the major leagues.
#24- Tommy Edman
Edman was drafted in the 2016 draft in the 6th round as a switch-hitting shortstop out of Stanford. He has moved quickly through the system and is a solid defender with good range and decent speed and base running skills.
He hit .261 combined at 3 levels this past season with a .261 batting average in 110 games and 444 at-bats. He drove in 55 RBI’s while he walked 48 times.
He has the skill and will likely man Memphis as their primary shortstop next year but is projected to see the majors in 2019.
#23- Ryan Helsley
This right-handed pitcher was drafted in the 5th round of the 2015 draft. He has good velocity and can work his way to 98 mph with his fastball and a decent change are his primary pitches. He is working on the cutter as another pitch. He is a starter in the minors and may get a chance to relieve in the major leagues sometime in 2018.
He was 11-3 with a 2.72 ERA along with walking 48 and fanning 137 batters.
#22- Jonathan Mercado
Mercado was signed in 2016 as an International player. He is from Cuba where he played in the outfield. He has tons of speed that can turn hits into extra bases. He doesn’t possess much power but is an above average outfielder with a below average arm.
He is at least two years away from the major leagues.
#21- Johan Oviedo
Oviedo was another International signing in 2016. He is a big strong (6’6″, 210 lbs.) 19-year-old right-handed power pitcher. He will pitch 94 mph and can reach 96 with his fastball. His curve needs work as does his changeup.
He fanned 70 batters in 75 innings and sported a 4-3 record. He is likely 3 years away from the major leagues.
The next part of this series will find us looking at prospects #16-20 which includes Jake Woodford, Dylan Carlson, Oscar Mercado, Alvaro Seijas and Connor Jones.
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Arizona Fall League Note:
The Cardinals No. 9 prospect, Sandy Alcantara, hit triple digits in the contest, averaging 98 mph on his 13 fastballs and striking out two in two scoreless frames. He was the talk of the All-Star game.
Spring Training
The Cardinals released their 30-game Spring Training schedule for the 2018 season on Thursday, with the team’s slate set to begin on Feb. 23 against the Marlins.
