Dean Anna to Get Extra Work in Memphis

The St. Louis Cardinals are high on shortstop Dean Anna, but with Jhonny Peralta blocking his path in the big leagues there currently is no room for the infielder.

That was why the Cardinals sent Anna to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday in one of four roster moves made that day by the team.

According to MLB.com reporter Jenifer Langosch, Anna may undergo a significant renovation of his playing skills while with the Redbirds.

The goal is to increase Anna’s versatility, so he will likely learn second base and third base in addition to his shortstop duties.

This is a smart move on the Cardinals’ part. It brings to mind versatile players like Pete Kozma on the current roster and Daniel Descalso from a couple years back.

Any ballplayer wouldn’t want to be pigeon-holed or hamstrung by play at just one position. If possible, why not learn more than one spot? It makes things simpler on a player. Plus, fantasy baseball players know a ballplayer with multiple positions is more versatile in someone’s lineup.

Anna may not be a superstar in St. Louis. Heck, he may not even break the Cardinals lineup for a few years. But it is best for him to learn now how to hit strong pitching and play different spots.