Alex Reyes Headlines Cardinals in Arizona Fall League

Mike Ohlman, C

Credit: Mark Harrell/Springfield Cardinals

Ohlman is another cast-off who is already thriving with the Cardinals. The Baltimore Orioles drafted him in 2009 (11th round), and he had really just one good season for the O’s, 2013, when he won the Carolina League batting crown. He’s a big fella, standing 6-feet-5, which is why he also plays some first base. While he has improved his defense behind the plate, that lanky frame will forever make pitch blocking a chore. So if his bat continues to play, first base may eventually be his permanent home. In the meantime, Ohlman is one of two high-caliber catching prospects in the Cardinals pipeline. The other is glove-first backstop Carson Kelly, who just finished high-A and is currently working on his swing in Instructional League. Ohlman hit with authority at double-A, leading Springfield with 69 RBI while showing an impressive amount of patience. He’s also shown an ability to use the entire field, a trait that usually earns a hitter a call-up.