Baseball America unveiled their list of the top ten Cardinals prospects and topping the list was outfielder Colby Rasmus. The 2005 first round draft pick tore up Double A and belted 29 homers with a .931 OPS. He’ll start at Memphis, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulls a Hunter Pence and not only gets a call up, but gives the Cardinals a big boost when he gets into the lineup.
Chris Peres is the top pitching prospect and he comes in at number two. He was completely dominating at Double A and he continued that into a stint with Memphis. He has filthy stuff and he’s the heir apparant to Jason Isringhausen. I’d like to see him break camp as the team’s set up man but that might be a little optimistic.
Catcher Bryan Anderson comes in at number three. Anderson is blocked by Yadier Molina but you could see Anderson be used as his backup if something happens to Jason LaRue. Also, Anderson is a solid contact hitter so you could see him used as a late inning defensive replacement when Molina has to go up against a left handed pitcher late in the game.
Left handed pitcher Jaime Garcia and right handed pitcher Adam Ottavino round out the top five. Both should see time in the rotation at Double A and both are probably about a year away. 2007 first round draft pick Pete Kozma came in at number six and he should start the season at Quad Cities.
