St. Louis Cardinals Draft Thread

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 1:53 PM EDT Comment 88 comments

Ok everyone,

we don't pick until 28, so maybe we can discuss our possible picks as players come off the board. We have a lot of picks in a short amount of time, so lets also discuss strategy of who to take first.

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Top 5-10

Let's get a list of the Top 5-10 players we're looking at for our 2 slots in the 1st round.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Right now

I'd love to get Cliff Pennington, but otherwise

Trevor Crowe
Tyler Greene
John Drennen
Taylor Teagarden
Cesar Ramos/Mark McCormick
Lance Broadway
Jacob Marceaux

trying to focus on SS, outfield, starting pitching

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like your list a lot Alien. I don't think Ellsbury will fall this far, but if he does, we need to snag him. I've soured a bit on McCormick lately. The last 2 times I saw him throw, he had no idea where the fastball is going. Add Colby Rasmus to the bottom of that list. He looks like he could be a good OF.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rasmus

I was thinking him too. I also agree that Ellsbury won't fall, but we'll take him if he does.

Mc Cormick also has some makeup issues, so he is a big question (and he's a boras guy)

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

First 3

First 3 picks go as projected: Upton, Gordon, Tulowitzki. No surprises yet.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Drennen

Have you seen him play or heard much about him? You seem to like him quite a bit.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

clement

thats a little surprising

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

clement

I think that's high, but his status has really gone up the last few weeks.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mayberry second?

Is he worth taking with the second Cards pick if he slips through (stock falling, but has shown flashes)?

by WillieMcGeeModelingCompany on Jun 5, 2005 2:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

his stock has fallen, i saw him on tv last a couple weeks ago and wasn't that impressed.

lets wait and see who else is available

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Mayberry would be a good pick...

but I doubt he'll fall that far. How about Daniel Carte, OF from Winthrop? He tore up the Cape last summer and projects really good. He struggled with an injury most of this year but still has really good numbers. He might be more of a second round pick b/c i think he's under the radar a bit.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Carte

might be a good pick at 43 or 46. i also like high school ss Justin Bristow

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pitching moving early

Hochevar, Romero, and Pelfrey all in the first 10 picks. Nobody has to deal w/ Boras in a mock draft :)

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

HS players

It seems like HS players are going to fall a bit b/c I think most of us are more familiar with all the college players. I personally like college players, but we might find some value if the HS guys keep falling.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I think we'll be competing a lot with Boston and Oakland for the college guys though...

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Henry gone

wishful thinking that he might have fallen

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pawalek

He's probably the biggest surprise so far. he seemed like someone that could go lower.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So are we set pretty much on this order?

Pennington
Crowe
Greene
Drennen
Teagarden
Ramos
Rasmus?

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

pretty much

ellsbury if he falls

maybe even Matt Torra if he falls?

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bruuuce?

Could Jay Bruce fall as a scout's dream project?

by WillieMcGeeModelingCompany on Jun 5, 2005 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Torra

He would be a nice fit also. It'll be interesting to see who Boston ends up taking.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bogusevic

That is a steal at #18. That's all the Padres need is more good young SP.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

no way Bruce

he'll be gone

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bruce

Rangers just snagged him.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ellsbury

gone

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn Cubs...

got Elllsbury

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

They ruin everything

I was hoping the cubs organization would be out enjoying the Cubs game without a wireless connection. Oh well .

by WillieMcGeeModelingCompany on Jun 5, 2005 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A's take Drennen

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Drennen

is an Oakland A

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Marlins

love HS pitchers

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i bet

the astros will take pennington

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

crowe gone

stupid red sox

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Crowe

gone as well.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Greene

Looking more and more like Tyler Greene is our man.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Greene

Then Rasmus? or Torra?

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Twins

have Torra

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pennington

Looks like he'll fall! (fingers crossed)

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

don't jinx it

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

For later: Travis Buck

any thoughts?

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Final Vote

Pennington, then either Carte or Ramos.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ok

either pennington or greene

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DAMN

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Buck

I like him. He'd be a great fit at 43.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Project

Could Henry Sanchez be a sandwich pick?

by WillieMcGeeModelingCompany on Jun 5, 2005 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ok

teagarden or Ramos?

i'm leaning towards teagarden

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Teagarden

Do we need another great defense/below average bat catcher? We already have Molina. Just a thought. But Teagarden is very good.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ok...so much for teagarden

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

happy with Ramos

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Definitely

Cards has a dearth of LHP, so Ramos is a big boost.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Carte, Buck

I think I like Carte more. Buck also plays in hitter-happy Arizona

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Braves

Since when do the Braves take college players? Scherholz would not approve...

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Carte

i really like Carte. I saw some Cape highlights of him, looked very good.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Off Topic

Mulder getting rocked

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice of Houston

to finally start hitting as soon as we roll into town. Also nice of Marquis and Mulder to start serving it up.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

at least clemens looks like crap too

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Clemens

The Astros HAVE to deal him, before his value starts to fall. McLane is a moron.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Carte

gone

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

carte gone

if still available, i'd happily take Chaz Roe.

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

J Brent Cox?

He can go multiple innings and back to back days, plus he'd move fast through the system.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cox

don't know much about him. Is he as good as Street?

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Marceaux

would be a good pick

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cox

He may not be as good as Street, but he's damn close. Similar "makeup" that all of those Texas guys get from Garrido. Every time I've watched him he impressed me.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Marceaux gone

Cox definitely might be there. I'd rather have more pitching than a less than stellar OF prospect.

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Brett Hayes

He is a great player as well, a real gamer.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Anthony Varvaro

Also might be a consideration at 46

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He's Due for TJ Surgery

Doesn't mean you shouldn't take him, mind you, but not everybody knows he got hurt...

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

by ESiegrist on Jun 5, 2005 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Varvaro

tweaked his elbow and might be looking at Tommy John, according to Baseball America website.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks for the info

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Roe or Cox?

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like Cox.

He'll be solid, maybe not great, but very good for this spot.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bryan Morris

Now that's a Braves pick.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RedSox

made it easy for us.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 3:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Buck

Stephen Head also still available

Sanchez can't play anywhere but first, so I'll pass

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 3:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Next Pick

Hayes? Buck? Mayberry?
I like Hayes or Buck. Can't go wrong with them at this spot, both good kids.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 4:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

mayberry

could be a real steal

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 4:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mayberry

Can he play the OF?

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 4:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

he's pretty athletic

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sum up 1st round

Greene: Nice hitting shortstop, a bit rough in the field, but fits a big need in the system.
Ramos: Good LHP, great numbers pitcher, maybe not a "high ceiling" guy, but dependable and very advanced. Again, fills a big need.
Cox: Advanced RHP reliever, good makeup, should move through the system quickly a la Street, Wagner, Cordero.
Mayberry: Lots of potential, disappointing senior season, might be a steal, a very good pick where he was taken.

So far I like what you've done Alien. I would have liked to get one of our first choices in the OF (Ellsbury, Drennen, Carte), but it was not to be.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 4:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah

didn't get anyone i REALLY wanted, but not bad considering we didn't pick until 28.

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 4:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

70th pick

chase headley, travis buck (won't be there), justin maxwell, Diallo Fon (local to me, gets good press out here)

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Brett Gardner

2nd in NCAA in hitting, super speed, could be very good at the top of a lineup. Doesn't strike out much either.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

70th pick

Headley and Maxwell both look like solid players. I probably favor Maxwell a bit, but if we take Headley maybe we can sneak Gardner in later b/c he plays CF like Maxwell. Fon is your call if you like him.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

70

Have you decided which way you're going to go? What are we thinking for the next pick?

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 4:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

maxwell

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 4:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i like

matt garza too

by Alien on Jun 5, 2005 5:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Garza

He's good. Snag him if you can.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good Luck

Alien, I have to head out for a while. I'll try and check back in after a while. Keep up the good work. The only thing I ask is that you keep Brett Gardner in mind, as well as Ryan LaMotta, RHP from Baylor. He's a real good one that you could grab in the 5th.

by sdangler on Jun 5, 2005 5:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Draft Recap

First Round:
Tyler Greene, SS, Georgia Tech
Cesar Ramos, LHP, Long Beach State

Supplemental First Round:
J. Brent Cox, RHP, Texas
John Mayberry, 1B, Stanford

2nd Round:
Justin Maxwell, OF, Maryland
Matt Garza, RHP, Fresno State

3rd Round:
Diallo Fon, OF, Walnut Creek CA

4th Round:
Brett Gardner, OF, Charleston

5th Round:
Carlos Hereaud, SS, high schooler from Texas

In the first round, I really wanted a shortstop, and Pennington unsurprisingly didn't drop to 28. Greene was the next best option. At 30, Ramos was the best pitcher available--and he's a lefty.
I took Cox on the advice of sdangler, but I also like him. I get to see Street a lot living in the Bay Area, and if he's anything like him, he could move quick and help the Cards soon. Mayberry was too good to pass up at 46--he is really first round talent, and is athletic enough to move to the OF in St. Louis.
Garza's stock has risen a lot recently, and I was surprised he was there late in the 2nd round. Could be a real steal. Maxwell has seen his stock slide a lot recently due to injuries, but if the Cards will pay up a bit to get him (he still has a year of eligibility left according to BA) he could also be a second round steal.
In the later rounds I was going more for OF talent. Diallo Fon is a California high-schooler who wants to sign, and gets a lot of press out here in the Bay Area. A lot of power even though he's small, and has a high ceiling. I don't know anything about Gardner, but took him on the advice of sdangler. Hereaud was a last minute choice, when Danny Powers was taken before I could get him, but he's got a lot of upside and could potentially play a number of different positions.

So there is a brief summary, I would love to hear comments and disagreements.

by Alien on Jun 6, 2005 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs