Mar 11, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Marco Gonzales (56) pitches during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
4) Marco Gonzales – Starting Pitcher
After putting together a 4-2 record with the big league club last season, the Cardinals southpaw has battled injuries for much of the 2015 season.
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Seeing time with Palm Beach, Springfield and Memphis already this year, the results have been less-than-encouraging for Gonzales – especially since joining the Triple-A club.
With Memphis, Gonzales has pitched to a 6.42 ERA and 1.574 WHIP, all while allowing just under a dozen hits per nine innings pitched. Since July 1, the lefty has pitched six full innings just one time, with that coming on Aug. 1.
If he can get back on-track, the southpaw could be one of the most valuable pieces the Cardinals farm system boasts moving forward.
"The son of Rockies minor league pitching coach Frank Gonzales, Marco exudes polish on the mound. His best attributes are his changeup and his command. He repeatedly fools hitters with his changeup, which features some late sink, by selling it with deceptive arm speed."
Next: 3) Jack Flaherty