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Musings from an Optimistic Redbird Fan – 2013
The International Redbirds – The St. Louis Cardinals have signed one and looking at two other prospects. One player, who was signed last month by the Cardinals for $950,000, is a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican. The other two players are Cuban prospects, one a shortstop and the other an outfielder.
Feb 24, 2011; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher fields a rubber baseball during spring training workouts at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Reyes was given one of the largest bonuses for an international amateur player. The $950,000 bonus was the fourth largest paid to an amateur this year. The 18-year-old Reyes, is 6’2”, 185 lbs., and has a fastball that approaches 94 mph. His career is expected to start at the rookie level Gulf Coast League.
The two Cuban prospects are 23yo Aledmys Diaz and 24yo Dariel Alvarez. Diaz is a shortstop and Alvarez an outfielder. Diaz has the ability to hit for power and average and has an above average arm. He is also considered to be the player most ready for the big leagues. Alvarez can play all outfield positions and also has an above average arm. A member of the Cardinals’ front office will attend a workout for the two players; who both defected from Cuba.
Rookie News – The Cards will be sending four rookies to the Rookie Orientation Program, sponsored by Major League Baseball this month. The program is held in Washington DC and will included Matt Adams, Kolten Wong, Trevor Rosenthal and Carlos Martinez. The program is designed to acclimate young players to pro ball and dealing with matters away from the ballpark.
Ranking of lineups – ESPN writer Buster Olney recently ranked the Redbirds lineup third overall in major league baseball. However, his description of their lineup as “..an American League lineup in the National league”, baffles me. I think overall, National League clubs, by and large have better offensive lineups. What do you think?
Thanks for reading and have a nice weekend.