10 Things to Watch This Year in the Minors

01/20/05
By Drew Williams

1.  Anthony Reyes’ Continuous Development.  The Cardinals top prospect will start the season in AAA Memphis, waiting to get a crack at the majors.  Reyes needs to stay healthy, and try to perfect his already above average fastball, slider, and changeup.  Reyes should be a lot stronger than he was last year.  He works out with Mark Prior in the off season, who has a reputation for having a Clemens-like workout routine.  Reyes is expected to get the call in September, maybe earlier if injuries hit.

2.  Adam Wainwright’s health.  The preseason top prospect for the Cardinals in 2004 battled a lot of injuries throughout the ‘04 campaign.  Though he recovered well enough to pitch for Memphis in the last month of the season, the Cardinals decided to shut him down until the Arizona Fall League.  Wainwright appeared at the Cardinals Winter Warmup anxious, and healthy.  He is coming into camp wanting a spot in the '05 Cardinals rotation, not Memphis.  Though unlikely to make the big club, it is important for Wainwright to stay healthy at Memphis until he gets a shot in September or later.  Another injury riddled season may mean a change to closer if he can’t start.

3.  Brad Thompson’s Development of Third Pitch.   The Cardinals brass believes Thompson can be a starter in the majors, if he develops a third pitch.  He has an above average fastball, movement wise, and solid slider.  He tried developing a changeup after his scoreless innings streak was over, and will continue to this year in Memphis.  If he is successful, he could be a possible #3-4 starter.  If not, he could have a future as a long reliever.

4.  Blake Hawksworth’s health.  The injury riddled right hander went through another year of injuries.  Hawksworth had circulation problems in his right shoulder from working out too much.  He possess the highest ceiling of any Cardinals prospect, but really needs to prove himself this year, or his stock will fall dramatically.

5.  Cody Haerther’s health.  The 21 year old Haerther was off to a very good start for Low-A Peoria before going down, leaving with stress fracture in his left tibia.  Haerther was scheduled to play in an Instructional league, but it was cancelled due to the hurricanes in Florida.  He will likely start 2005 at High-A Palm Beach.

6.  Juan Lucena’s Development.  Lucena hit very well with Johnson City in 2004:  .332 AVG, 4 HR, 30 RBI, 7 SB, and a 11/16 BB/K ratio. His batting average was good enough to earn him the Appalachian League batting title. The 20-year-old has a long way to go, but has impressed the Cardinals so far with his tools.  Lucena continued to hit after the season, playing for the Aragua Tigres of the Venezuelan Winter League. With the Tigres he hit .346/.371/.404 in 136 at bats.

7.  Mike Ferris’ Development.  The Cardinals 2nd round draft pick in 2004, Ferris was disappointing in New Jersey.  He had 3 HR and 19 RBI, but only walked 19 times to 44 K. The Cardinal believe long contract negotiations could have hurt Ferris’ performance. He had been off for about 8 weeks when he first appeared in a game for New Jersey.  Time will tell whether Ferris will be moved to another position, but if he hits like he is capable, the Cardinals will try and find a place for him.

8.  Brandon Yarbrough’s Development.  With the departure of Daric Barton, Yarbrough becomes the Cardinals top catching prospect.  With Yadier Molina set to take the spot for a long time, Yarbrough may face the same problem Barton had, be traded or change positions.  The 20-year-old left handed hitting catcher performed very well at Johnson City, hitting .326, slugging .497, with 6 HR, 35 RBI, and a 25/55 BB/K ratio.  Brandon is an athletic ballplayer, so a change in position might not be as hard a transition as some may think.

9.  Brandon DeJaynes’ Control.  DeJaynes had an up and down year at Peoria in 2004.  On one hand, he had a 4.29 ERA and 57 BB in 71 IP, but also had 106 Ks in those 71 IP.  Brandon has a filthy slider and heavy fastball.  If DeJaynes can improve his control, he will shoot up the Cardinals prospect list, as a possible closer prospect.

10.  Jose Martinez’s Development.  If you haven’t heard of Jose Martinez, you are not alone. After being signed this fall, the 18-year-old played in the Venezuelan Parallel League, where he hit .339 with 3 HR and 19 RBI.  He also possessed a 17/11 BB to K ratio and was named the most valuable shortstop in the league.  Jose showed great patience and discipline for a player, especially at his age. Though he hit very well in the league, his best tool right now is said to be his defense. His performance earned himself an invite to Spring Training in Jupiter where he will compete to be the starting shortstop at Johnson City.

Another shortstop to keep and eye on in 2005 is 16-year-old Donovan Solano who was recently signed out of Colombia by the Cardinals. Those who have seen him play say that they believe he is better than Edgar Renteria was at the same age. Solano has also been invited to Jupiter for Spring Training. If he doesn't make the Johnson City club, the Cardinals are expected to send him to the Dominican Summer League.

Jason Scott contributed to this article.