2011 MLB Draft: St. Louis Cardinals Draft Report

The Cardinals won the World Series but this offseason they have lost the two faces of their franchise as well as one of the main architect's of their championship squad. Let's look back at some of the talent they injected into their pipeline

1-Kolten Wong-2B-Hawaii

Wong was one of the draft's best pure hitters, hitting .378 and walking twice as much as he struck out. He also has some pop and some speed to go along with his bat. The main issue where Wong needs work is at 2B as he spent time at C, SS, and CF as well as 2B during his time at Hawaii.

2-Charlie Tilson-OF-HS (Illinois)

Tilson was a tough sign as he got just $25K less than Wong despite being picked 57 picks later. Tilson projects to be a prototypical leadoff hitter and CF who's best tool is his speed.

3-CJ McElroy-OF-HS (Texas)

McElroy has great bloodlines as his father Chuck spent 13 seasons in the majors as a reliever. CJ also has fantastic athleticism playing 3 sports in high school. On the diamond, he is a very good defensive CF with good speed. Like Tilson he projects as a leadoff hitter.

4-Kenny Peoples-SS-HS (California)

Peoples has good athleticism and can make consistent contact. He'll need to add polish to his game and may need to shift off of SS to 2B down the road.

5-Sam Gaviglio-RHP-Oregon State

Gaviglio is definitely more pitcher than thrower-and he has to be given that his fastball rarely breaks 90. He does a good job of getting groundballs and limiting walks, but the lack of arm strength means he'll have to really prove himself at the upper levels of the minors.

6-Adam Ehrlich-C-HS (California)

Ehrlich is strong but is still learning how to harness that into game power. He doesn't drive the ball enough and at this stage is more of a singles hitter. Defensively, his receiving and footwork need some work, but he does have good arm strength.

7-Nick Martini-OF-Kansas State

Martini is probably best known for reaching base in 93 consecutive games in 2010-11. Offensively he is a good hitter for average, which is played up by his strong strike zone discipline. He has more gap power than HR power though. Defensively he fits better in a corner though he did play some CF at KSU.

8-Danny Miranda-LHP-Miami

Miranda was the Hurricanes closer, succeeding off a good change up and exceptional control. He dropped to the 8th round though because he lacks an overpowering fastball and threw only 30.1 IP.

9-Tyler Mills-RHP-Michigan

Mills is a converted OF who just started focusing on pitching this year. He touched the mid to high 90's early in the season but usually sits in the low 90's. His main breaking ball is a slider. He'll be a reliever only in pro ball and needs some more reps as he is still new to pitching.

10-Lance Jefferies-OF-HS (Missouri)

Jefferies is a local talent from St. Louis. He has good athleticism, showing speed, defense, a strong arm and power potential. At the plate though he is raw. He'll be a project but he has good upside.

11-Seth Maness-RHP-East Carolina

12-Danny Stienstra-1B-San Jose State

13-Kolby Byrd-C-Copiah-Lincoln CC

14-Kevin Medrano-2B-Missouri State

Medrano was the Cardinals highest unsigned draft pick. He looked like a solid mid round pick coming into the year but a shoulder injury slowed down his momentum. When healthy he is a solid 2B with a nice feel for hitting and some gap power.

15-Matt Williams-SS-Liberty

16-Travis Miller-RHP-Miami

17-Dutch Deol-OF-HS (California)

18-Kyle Hald-LHP-Old Dominion

19-Nick Gillung-LHP-Mercyhurst

20-Aramis Garcia-C-HS (Florida)

21-Chris Kirsch-LHP-Lackawanna JC

22-Justin Kamplain-LHP-HS (Alabama)

23-Kyle Deese-RHP-Western Carolina

24-Jonathan Cornelius-LHP-Florida Tech

25-Todd McInnis-RHP-Southern Miss

26-Brett Graves-RHP-HS (Missouri)

The Cardinals were unable to sign Graves, a Missouri commit who has shown a fastball that has touched the mid 90's as well as a solid curveball.

27-Gary Apelian-OF-Santa Ana JC

28-Ryan Sherriff-LHP-Glendale JC

29-Chris Matulis-LHP-Central Florida

30-David Bergin-RHP-Tennessee Wesleyan

31-Kevin Jacob-RHP-Georgia Tech

Jacob was seen as one of the top relief prospects in 2009, but the combination of a shoulder injury and bonus demands left him unsigned the past two years. If he gets healthy he could be a steal in the 31st round.

32-Jonathan Keener-C-CSU Dominguez Hills

33-Heath Wyatt-RHP-Southeastern Oklahoma State

34-Tyler Rahmatulla-2B-UCLA

35-Drew Madrigal-RHP-California Baptist

36-Casey Rasmus-C-Liberty

37-Brad Watson-RHP-Wartburg

38-Jeremy Patton-3B-Florida International

39-Tyler Melling-LHP-Miami (Ohio)

40-Kyle Arnsberg-C-McLennan CC

41-Mike Knox-1B-Mt. Olive

42-Cody Poarch-RHP-Walters State CC

43-Chris Costantino-RHP-Walters State CC

44-Brandon Creath-RHP-Embry-Riddle

45-Cooper Moseley-2B-Central Alabama CC

46-Chadwick Kaalekahi-C-HS (Hawaii)

47-David Schmidt-RHP-HS (Missouri)

48-Brock Asher-OF-HS (Hawaii)

49-Corey Baker-RHP-Pittsburgh

50-Tyler Sibley-2B-Texas State