2011 MLB Draft: St. Louis Cardinals Review
This features a mixture of high school and college talent with a big focus on speed and athleticism. There is little power.
1) Kolten Wong, 2B, Hawaii: Baseball America compared him to Chone Figgins, but I'm thinking more like "Todd Walker/Dustin Pedroia hybrid with a much better glove than Walker."
2) Charlie Tilson, OF, Illinois HS: Speedy athletic leadoff type with occasional sparks of power. Firm University of Illinois commitment but I doubt they would draft him without being optimistic about his signability.
3) C.J. McElroy, OF, Texas HS: Son of Chuck, former major league pitcher. Blazing speed, 80-range, with some hitting polish. Lacks power, looks like a leadoff type. Committed to University of Houston on a football scholarship.
4) Kenny Peoples, SS, California HS: Athletic, raw, good speed. High risk high reward type.
5) Sam Gaviglio, RHP, Oregon State: Excellent statistical performance (12-3, 2.54 ERA, 116/33 K/BB in 121 innings) with average stuff, ground ball machine, should move through minors quickly. Fourth/fifth starter or durable relief type.
6) Adam Ehrlich, C, California HS: Raw catcher with good throwing arm, power potential, won't move quickly. Loyola Marymount commitment.
7) Nick Martini, OF, Kansas State: Leadoff type, fast, excellent strike zone judgment, some gap power. Profiles as reserve outfielder.
8) Daniel Miranda, LHP, Miami-Fl: Mediocre stuff but outstanding command, short reliever or future LOOGY.
9) Tyler Mills, RHP, Michigan: Former outfielder still learning how to pitch, works in low-90s, needs polish in all aspects. 5.02 ERA, 48/30 K/BB in 52 innings.
10) Lance Jeffries, OF, Missouri HS: Local kid from St. Louis, very good speed, raw at the plate, might have some power eventually despite 5-9 size.
OTHERS OF NOTE: RHP Seth Maness (11th round, East Carolina) has average stuff but excellent performance record due to sharp control. C Aramis Garcia (20th round, Florida HS) has a strong throwing arm and a chance to be a fine defensive catcher, but is committed to Florida International.
SUMMARY: The Cardinals were focused on speed and athleticism and picked up several players with a chance to be leadoff hitters, though only Martini has a chance to advance quickly. I really like Wong and Gaviglio is quite polished, but overall this is an undistinguished class in my view, though as with all of these drafts it will be a few years before we really know.
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