With the MLB First-Year Player Draft set to kick off Thursday evening, the St. Louis Cardinals are no doubt busy with their own mock drafts.
Touted for several years now as having one of the best farm systems in the MLB, the Cardinals‘ front office takes its drafts quite seriously.
The Cardinals have already seen a glimpse of what their top pick from 2012 can do at the major league level. Now it’s on to the future.
Will the Cardinals continue their tradition of chasing pitching in early rounds or will they find themselves in search of a position player?
Either way, the Cardinals could see the need to address multiple issues including pitching, middle infield depth and even replenishing outfield prospects with Oscar Taveras expected to be on the big league roster before season’s end.
Following are two picks the Cardinals could find themselves chasing on draft day and what makes them the right choice.
Round 1 (Pick 19)
Name: Chris Anderson
Position: RHP
School: Jacksonville University
Ht./Wt.: 6’4”/225 lbs.
Why this pick fits? Traditionally, especially after the steal they made with the 19th pick in 2012, one could easily expect the Cardinals to snag another power arm that is reasonably close to being major league ready.
There’s little reason to expect them to stray from a plan that seems to be working. If by some chance he’s still available, 20-year-old Chris Anderson would be a good fit.
Anderson projects as a possible number two starter at the major league level. He has solid low-mid-90s fastball velocity with a sinker that could be his meal ticket to the big leagues.
The real question with Anderson is whether he will still be in the mix at 19. If he is, he may very well be their first pick-up.
Round 1 (Pick 28)
Name: Eric Jagielo
Position: 3B
School: Notre Dame
Ht./Wt.: 6’3”/215 lbs.
Why this pick fits? For their second pick in the first round Thursday evening, the Cardinals may well need to look toward something other than high-end pitching talent.
With Kolten Wong nearing his rise to the major leagues, Pete Kozma cementing his place on the big league roster and Matt Carpenter’s All-Star worthy early season performance, the Cardinals are getting thin on top notch infield talent.
Eric Jagielo could be the perfect fit for the team’s direction for the future. While there is a lot of contention regarding where he could be drafted, there’s no doubt this left-handed power bat could find his future in St. Louis.
There has been some debate about his glove, particularly at third base, but his bat makes him a viable candidate in the outfield or even at first base.
Regardless, the Cardinals could stand to start replenishing some minor league power and Jagielo, if he’s still around for the Cardinals second first round pick (28), may be just the man they need.
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