Can Cardinals Make A Big Splash In International Waters?

The top righthanded pitching prospect in the Cardinals’ system is from New Jersey and in many ways personifies the traits the organization scouts for in pitching talent – athleticism, power arm, mechanics – when it comes to the amateur draft.

Bird Land

Prospect Of The Day: Oscar Taveras

With all the recent focus on the upcoming 2014 MLB draft, let's not forget that the St. Louis Cardinals promoted top outfield prospect Oscar Taveras to the major leagues this past weekend. Obviously this is the perfect time to examine Taveras as Minor League Ball's Prospect of the Day.

Minor League Ball

Five More Released From Minors Camp

In addition to the Robert De La Cruz release you read about this past week in the blog and in the paper, the Cardinals made the following cuts from camp: David Bergin, Reggie Williams, Ricardo Lizcano, Daniel Barbuena, and Cesar Aguilar.

Bird Land

Jake Westbrook Sharp; David Freese To Start Swinging; Big Bonus Player Released; Extra Bases

Sinkerballer Jake Westbrook became the Cardinals’ second starter to finish six innings in a Grapefruit League game this spring with what he called his sharpest appearance of the month Monday.

Post-Dispatch

Cardinals Release Big-Bonus Signing Roberto De La Cruz

The player that commanded a record bonus and signaled the Cardinals increased presence in the Latin America market for talent was released this morning, almost five years after he signed.

Bird Land

Cardinals Minors June 24, 2012: Bryan Anderson Collects 2 Hits & A 3-Run Homer; Matt Adams Doubles, Homers, & Drives In 3 Runs; Oscar Taveras Doubles, Homers, & Knocks In 3 Runs

Memphis beat New Orleans 11-2

Individual Highlights:
Ryan Jackson 1-for-4 with one double, two runs, one walk, and assisted in one double play.
Matt Adams 3-for-5 with one double, two home runs, three RBIs (one w/two-outs), three runs, and assisted in one double play.
Mark Hamilton 1-for-4 with one RBI, one run, one walk, and one strikeout.
Zack Cox 1-for-4 with one RBI, one run, one hit by pitch, one strikeout, and assisted in one double play.
Steven Hill 3-for-5 with one double, one home run, two RBIs, three runs, and one strikeout.
Bryan Anderson 3-for-5 with one home run, three RBIs, and one run.
Pete Kozma 2-for-3 with two walks.
Cedric Hunter one RBI and one sac fly.
Brandon Dickson started and pitched seven innings.  He allowed eight hits, one earned run, hit one batter, and struck two out for the winning decision (3-7).  0-for-3 with one sacrifice and one strikeout at the plate. (p-s:94-66)(g/f:8-8)
Chuckie Fick entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out. (p-s:12-9)(g/f:2-0)

Rough Outing:
Adron Chambers 0-for-6 with two strikeouts.
Jess Todd entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck one out. (p-s:21-12)(g/f:0-1)

New Orlenas Zephyrs Official Site Post Game

Springfield beat Tulsa 5-3

Individual Highlights:
Oscar Taveras 3-for-4 with one double, one home run, three RBIs, and one run.
Xavier Scruggs 1-for-4 with one double, one run, two strikeouts, and assisted in two double plays.
Audry Perez 1-for-4 with one two-out RBI and one run.
Jose Garcia 2-for-3 with one hit by pitch, ne stolen bas, and assisted in one double play.
Adam Melker 1-for-4 with one two-out RBI, one strikeout, and grounded into one double play.
Richard Castillo started and pitched 6.1 innings.  He allowed six hits, three earned runs, three walks, hit one batter, and struck five out for the winning decision (5-1). 1-for-3 with one run and two strikeouts at the plate.  (p-s:84-50)(g/f:9-0)
Deryk Hooker entered in the seventh and pitched 1.2 innings.  He allowed no hits or runs for the hold (5). (p-s:11-8)(g/f:2-2)(ir-s:2-0)
Keith Butler entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out for the save (15). (p-s:14-11)

Rough Outing:
Jamie Romak 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Kolten Wong 0-for-1 with one strikeout and assisted in one double play.

Springfield Cardinals Official Site Post Game
Tulsa Drillers Official Site Post Game

Clearwater beat Palm Beach 3-1

Individual Highlights:
Starlin Rodriguez 0-for-3 with one walk, one stolen base, one strikeout, and one outfield assist.
Mike O'Neill 1-for-2 with one two-out RBI and two walks.
Vance Albitz 1-for-3 with one run and one stolen base.
Kevin Siegrist started and pitched five innings.  He allowed one hit, one unearned run, two walks, committed one pickoff error, and struck six out. (g/f:4-1)
Iden Nazario entered in the sixth and pitched to one batter.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out.
Dean Kiekhefer entered in the eighth and pitched two innings.  He allowed two hits and no runs. (g/f:5-1)

Rough Ouitng:
Rest Of The Team

Notes:
Michael Swinson and Kevin Siegrist were both activated off the disabled list and Jonathan Rodriguez was placed on the disabled list.

Palm Beach Cardinals Official Site Post Game

Peoria beat Quad Cities 12-11

Individual Highlights:
Luis Mateo 2-for-5 with one double, two RBIs, one run, one strikeout, one caught stealing, and one fielding error.
Anthony Garcia 4-for-4 with one home run, three RBIs (one w/two-outs), three runs, and one hit by pitch.
Juan Castillo 3-for-4 with one RBI, two runs, one sac fly, one strikeout, one passed ball, and allowed one stolen base.
David Medina 3-for-5 with one double, one RBI, one run, one strikeout, and grounded into one double play.
Roberto De La Cruz 2-for-5 with one double, three RBIs, one run, one throwing error, and one missed catch error.
Neal Pritchard 1-for-2 with one RBI, one run, one walk, one hit by pitch, and one caught stealing.
Ethan Cole entered in the seventh and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed no hits or runs. (g/f:4-4)(ir-s:3-0)

Rough Outing:
Colin Walsh 1-for-4 with two runs, one walk, one strikeout, and three throwing errors.
Nick Martini 0-for-5 at the plate.
Adam Lewis 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
Kyle Hald started and pitched 3.1 innings.  He allowed ten hits, eight runs (four earned), one home run, threw one wild pitch, and struck four out for the losing decision (3-4). (p-s:36-31)(g/f:5-3)
Bob Revesz entered in the fourth and pitched two innings.  He allowed two hits, three earned runs, one home run, and one walk. (p-s:14-9)(g/f:4-0)(ir-s:1-0)
Travis Miller entered in the sixth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, and one walk. (p-s:11-6)(g/f:4-0)

Quad Cities River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Batavia beat Jamestown 4-1

Individual Highlights:
Anthony Melchionda 1-for-5 with one double and one run.
Garrett Wittels 2-for-4 with two runs and one strikeout.
Jacob Wilson 2-for-4 with one strikeout.
Roberto Reyes 2-for-4 with one RBI and grounded into one double play.
David Bergin 1-for-4 with one RBI and two strikeouts.
Gary Apelian 1-for-4 with one home run, one two-out RBI, one run, and one strikeout.
Ben Freeman started and pitched 6.2 innings.  He allowed seven hits, one earned run, one home run,hit one batter, one balk, and struck five out for the winning decision (1-0). (g/f:6-6)
Brandon Creath entered in the seventh and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out for the hold (1). (g/f:2-0)(ir-s:1-0)
Yunier Castillo entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, no runs, and struck two out for the save (1). (g/f:1-0)

Jamestown Jammers Official Site Post Game

Johnson City beat Bluefield 4-2

Individual Highlights:
Ronard Castillo 1-for-3 with one run, one walk, and one strikeout.
Michael Knox 1-for-3 with one home run, one RBI, one run, one hit by pitch, and two strikeouts.
Carson Kelly 2-for-4 with one double, one RBI, and one run.
Gerwuins Velazco 1-for-3 with one RBI and one sac fly.
Cesar Valera 1-for-4 with one double, one two-out RBI, and one strikeout.
Cory Jones started and pitched three innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, two walks, hit one batter, and struck five out. (g/f:1-2)
Michael Aldrete entered in the fourth and pitched three innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, one walk, and struck three out for the winning decision (1-0). (g/f:4-2)
Jeffrey Rauh entered in the seventh and pitched two innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, two walks, and struck one out. (g/f:2-2)

Rough Outing:
Jeremy Schaffer 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Ronald Shaban entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, two earned runs, one walk, and struck two out.

Bluefield Blue Jays Official Site Post Game

GCL & DSL Cardinals had day off

Cardinals Minors June 7, 2012: Eugenio Velez Doubles, Homers, & Drives In 4 Runs; Cedric Hunter Doubles & Knocks In 4 Runs; Kyle Conley Doubles & Collects 3 RBIs; Fernando Baez Struck Out 8 Over 4 Innings

Memphis beat Albuquerque 12-6

Individual Highlights:
Lou Montanez 2-for-5 with one run, one walk, one stolen base, one strikeout, and one fielding error.
Ryan Jackson 1-for-4 with one double, one run, one sacrifice, one strikeout, grounded into one double play, and assisted in two double plays.
Jamie Romak 0-for-3 with one RBI, one run, one walk, one sac fly, and assisted in two double plays.
Mark Hamilton 1-for-5 with two runs.
Eugenio Velez 2-for-5 with one double, one home run, four RBIs (three w/two-outs), two runs, one strikeout, and one fielding error.
Bryan Anderson 1-for-4 with one run and one walk.
Pete Kozma 2-for-4 with two runs, one walk, one throwing error, and assisted in two double plays.
Cedric Hunter 2-for-4 with one double, four RBIs (one w/two-outs), two runs, and one walk.
Aaron Bates 1-for-1 with one double and one RBI.
Garrett Wittels 1-for-1 with one triple and two two-out RBIs.
Jess Todd entered in the seventh and pitched to two batters.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck two out for the hold (2). (p-s:9-6)(ir-s:2-0)
Chuckie Fick entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs. (p-s:10-7)(g/f:1-2)

Rough Outing:
Nick Additon started and pitched 5.2 innings.  He allowed seven hits, three earned runs, two home runs, two walks, and struck three out for the winning decision (2-6).  0-for-2 with one sacrifice at the plate. (p-s:94-57)(g/f:9-1)

Former Cardinal:
Aaron Miles 0-for-3 with one walk, one strikeout, one throwing error, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.

Albuquerque Isotopes Official Site Post Game

Tulsa beat Springfield 6-4

Individual Highlights:
Kolten Wong 1-for-4 with one run and one walk.
Jermaine Curtis 2-for-5 with one double, one run, and one strikeout.
Kyle Conley 1-for-4 with one double, three RBIs, and one strikeout.
Jake Shaffer 2-for-4 with one home run, one RBI, and one run.
Greg Garcia 2-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Justin Wright entered in the sixth and pitched two innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck three out. (p-s:24-17)(g/f:1-1)
Jesse Simpson entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out. (p-s:15-9)(g/f:1-1)

Rough Outing:
Xavier Scruggs 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and one throwing error.
Seth Maness started and pitched four innings.  He allowed nine hits, four runs (three earned), one walk, and struck six out.  1-for-2 with one strikeout at the plate. (p-s:79-56)(g/f:6-1)
Chris Corrigan entered in the fifth and pitched one inning.  He allowed three hits, two earned runs, one walk, and struck two out for the losing decision (0-1). (p-s:21-15)(g/f:0-1)

Springfield Cardinals Official Site Post Game
Tulsa Drillers Official Site Post Game

Palm Beach @ Dunedin was postponed due to rain

Dunedin Official Site Announcement

Kane County beat Quad Cities 4-1

Individual Highlights:
Anthony Garcia 0-for-2 with one run, one walk, one hit by pitch, and two outfield assists.
Roberto De La Cruz 2-for-4 with one two-out RBI and assisted in one double play.
Dail Villanueva started and pitched six innings.  He allowed eighth hits, two earned runs, one walk, threw one wild pitch, and hit one batter for the losing decision (3-4). (g/f:9-5)
Ethan Cole entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, no runs, and struck one out. (g/f:0-1)

Rough Outing:
Nick Martini 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Colin Walsh 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and assisted in one double play.
Casey Rasmus 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Ricky Martinez entered in the seventh and pitched one inning.  He allowed three hits, two earned runs, and struck one out. (g/f:1-0)

Quad Cities River Bandits Official Site Post Game
Kane County Chronicle Post Game

DSL: Cardinals beat Athletics 6-5

Individual Highlights:
Robelys Reyes 1-for-4 with two two-out RBIs, one walk, and one stolen base.
Jose Pena 1-for-5 with one double and one strikeout.
Jose Godoy 1-for-4 with one run, one walk, one strikeout, one passed ball, picked one runner off, and allowed one stolen base.
George Araujo 2-for-4 with one triple, one two-out RBI, one run, one strikeout, and one outfield assist.
Domingo Sanchez 1-for-3 with one two-out RBI, one run, one walk, one stolen base, and two strikeouts.
Fernando Baez entered in the fifth and pitched four innings.  He allowed five hits, no runs, and struck eight out for the winning decision (1-0). (g/f:2-1)(ir-s:3-2)
Ismael Brito entered in the seventh and pitched 2.2 innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, one walk, and struck two out for the save (2). (g/f:2-0)(ir-s:2-0)

Rough Outing:
Eliezer Alvarez 0-for-4 at the plate.
Isaac Silva started and pitched one inning.  He allowed five hits, four runs (three earned), three walks, committed one pickoff error, and struck one out.
Luis De La Rosa entered in the sixth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, one walk, hit one batter, threw one wild pitch, and struck three out for the hold (1).

MLB Draft

Lee University coach spoke very highly of Cardinals' 29th selection Andy Hillis.

39th round selection Michael Aldrete never figured the Cardinals would draft him but plans to sign.

86th overall selection Carson Kelly is deciding between attending Oregon or signing with the Cardinals.

Villanova coach had positive things to say about 30th round selection Kyle Helisek.

Cardinals Minors may 28, 2012 Results: David Medina Doubles, Triples, & Drives In Four Runs; Tyler Rahmatulla Doubles & Knocks In Three Runs; Richard Castillo Tosses Six & A Third Scoreless Innings

Iowa beat Memphis 8-2

Individual Highlights:
Eugenio Velez 1-for-4 with one double, one run, one walk, grounded into one double play, and assisted in one double play.
Ryan Jackson 1-for-4 with two two-out RBIs and assisted in one double play.
Cedric Hunter 1-for-4 with one double.
Barret Browning entered in the sixth and pitched two innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out. (p-s:17-13)(g/f:3-0)

Rough Outing:
Jamie Romak 0-for-4 with one ground into double play and assisted in two double plays.
Mitch Canham 0-for-2 at the plate.
Brian Broderick started and pitched five innings.  He allowed seven hits, three earned runs, one home run, two walks, hit one batter, and struck two out for the losing decision (2-7).  1-for-1 at the plate. (p-s:89-55)(g/f:6-3)
Maikel Cleto entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, and struck two out. (p-s:22-13)(g/f:1-0)
Clay Zavada entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed five hits and four runs (three earned). (p-s:17-15)(g/f:2-1)

Notes:
The Memphis Flyer takes a look at how the Redbirds season has been going so far.

Memphis Redbirds Official Site Post Game
Memphis Commercial Appeal Post Game (Mark Hamilton talks about the newly-formed team)
Iowa Cubs Official Site Post Game

Springfield beat Corpus Christi 3-2

Individual Highlights:
Jose Garcia 2-for-4, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.
Greg Garcia 1-for-2 with one run, one walk, one hit by pitch, and assisted in one double play.
Jermaine Curtis 1-for-2 with one run, one walk, and one hit by pitch.
Kyle Conley 1-for-4 with one double, two RBIs, one run, and one strikeout.
Xavier Scruggs 2-for-4 with one RBI, two strikeouts, one caught stealing, and assisted in one double play.
Richard Castillo started and pitched 6.1 innings.  He allowed six hits, no runs, one walk, and struck two out for the winning decision (2-0).  0-for-3 with one strikeout at the plate. (p-s:81-52)(g/f:12-4)
Keith Butler entered in the eighth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, and one walk for the save (10). (p-s:20-11)(g/f:2-1)(ir-s:1-0)

Rough Outing:
Chris Swauger 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and grounded into one double play.
Adam Melker 0-for-4 with one strikeout and grounded into one double play.
Audry Perez 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
Eric Fornataro entered in the seventh and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed two hits, two earned runs, one walk, threw one wild pitch, and struck three out for the hold (7). (p-s:29-18)(g/f:1-0)(ir-s:2-0)

Springfield Cardinals Official Site Post Game
Corpus Christi Hooks Official Site Post Game

Palm Beach Cardinals had day off

Quad Cities beat Cedar Rapids 16-6

Individual Highlights:
Matt Williams 2-for-5 with two runs, one walk, three strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Nick Martini 2-for-5 with two RBIs, three runs, one hit by pitch, one outfield assist, and assisted in one double play.
Tyler Rahmatulla 2-for-5 with one double, three RBIs (two w/two-outs), one run, one hit by pitch, and one fielding error.
Colin Walsh 1-for-2 with three RBIs (one w/two-outs), two runs, three walks, and one sac fly.
Anthony Garcia 1-for-5 with one double, one RBI, two runs, one hit by pitch, and two strikeouts.
Roberto De La Cruz 1-for-5 with one home run, two RBIs, one run, one strikeout, and assisted in two double plays.
David Medina 3-for-5 with one double, one triple, four RBIs (two w/two-outs), one run, and one outfield assist.
Juan Castillo 2-for-5 with one double, one RBI, two runs, and one strikeout.
Neal Pritchard 1-for-4 with two runs, one hit by pitch, one strikeout, and assisted in one double play.

Rough Outing:
Jonathan Cornelius started and pitched 6.2 innings.  He allowed eight hits, four runs (three earned), one walk, hit one batter, threw two wild pitches, and struck four out for the winning decision (1-1). (g/f:9-4)
Bob Revesz entered in the seventh and pitched 2.1 innings.  He allowed five hits, two earned runs, hit one batter, and struck two out. (g/f:2-1)(ir-s:1-0)

Quad Cities River Bandits Official Site Post Game
Cedar Rapids Kernels Official Site Post Game

Cardinals Minors May 8, 2012 Results - Bryan Anderson & Oscar Taveras Each Drive In Three Runs, John Gast Tosses Seven Scoreless Innings, Pete Kozma Knocks In Two Runs

Reno beat Memphis 9-8 in 13 innings

Individual Highlights:
Ryan Jackson 4-for-7 with one run, one strikeout, and one fielding error.
Steven Hill 1-for-7 with one RBI, one run, and three strikeouts.
Cedric Hunter 3-for-5 with one double, one RBI, three runs, and one hit by pitch.
Bryan Anderson 2-for-5 with one double, three RBIs, one run, one walk, and one throwing error.
Pete Kozma 2-for-5 with one triple, two RBIs, one run, one walk, and one fielding error.
Zack Cox 1-for-3 with one two-out RBI and one strikeout.
Adam Reifer entered in the sixth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out. (p-s:15-10)(g/f:2-1)(ir-s:1-0)
Chuckie Fick entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out. (p-s:18-11)(g/f:0-1)
Eduardo Sanchez entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out. (p-s:16-11)(g/f:3-0)
Barret Browning entered in the tenth and pitched two innings.  He allowed two hits, no runs, threw one wild pitch, and struck three out. (p-s:37-24)(g/f:37-24)

Rough Outing:
Eugenio Velez 0-for-3 with one hit by pitch and one strikeout.
Brian Broderick started and pitched four innings.  He allowed eight hits, six runs (five earned), three walks, threw one wild pitch, and struck two out.  1-for-2 with one strikeout at the plate. (p-s:88-54)(g/f:4-4)
Jess Todd entered in the fifth and pitched 1.2 innings.  He allowed four hits, two earned runs, and struck one out. (p-s:33-23)(g/f:1-1)

Former Cardinal:
Randy Ruiz 1-for-5 with one strikeout and assisted in one double play.

Notes:
Former St. Louis Cardinal Mike Parisi (Albuquerque) was placed on the disabled list with a right shoulder impingement.  Former Memphis Redbird Royce Ring was promoted from Double-A Tulsa to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

General manager John Mozeliak took in the game to deliver 2011 World Series rings to players and coaches.

Joe Thurston (former St. Louis) signed a minor league deal with Twins and the Reds signed Koyie Hill (former spring training invite).

The Orioles called up former Springfield Cardinal Stuart Pomeranz according to Springfield News-Leader.

Memphis Redbirds Official Site Post Game
Memphis Commercial Appeal Post Game
Reno Aces Official Site Post Game

Springfield beat Arkansas 4-0

Individual Highlights:
Greg Garcia 2-for-3 with two runs and one walk.
Oscar Taveras 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBIs, one run, and one strikeout.
Kyle Conley 1-for-4 with one two-out RBI and one strikeout.
John Gast started and pitched seven innings.  He allowed five hits, no runs, one walk, struck five out, and picked two off for the winning decision (4-2). (p-s:93-60)(g/f:8-5)
Sam Freeman entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out for the hold (5). (p-s:19-12)(g/f:0-0)
Eric Fornataro entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out. (p-s:8-7)(g/f:2-0)

Rough Outing:
Jermaine Curtis 0-for-4 at the plate.
Chris Swauger 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Nick Derba 0-for-3 at the plate.

Notes:
Jesse Simpson and Kleininger Teran were placed on the disabled list whileAudry Perez was activated and Neal Pritchard was promoted from extended spring training (via Palm Beach).  Former Springfield Cardinal Eric Duncan (NW Arkansas) was placed on the disabled list.

Kolten Wong has been out of the lineup with a swollen left ankle and John Gast is a top candidate to receive a call-up to Triple-A Memphis according to Springfield News-Leader.

Oscar Taveras returned to the lineup after sitting out with a bruised right kneeaccording to Springfield News-Leader.

Springfield Cardinals Official Site Post Game
Springfield News-Leader Post Game
Arkansas Travelers Official Site Post Game

Lakeland beat Palm Beach 5-1

Individual Highlights:
Vance Albitz 2-for-3 with one walk, one caught stealing, and assisted in one double play.
Rainel Rosario 1-for-4 with one two-out RBI.
Alan Ahmady 2-for-3 with one double and one walk.
Zach Russell entered in the seventh and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, no runs, and one walk. (g/f:1-1)
Chris Corrigan entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs. (g/f:1-2).

Rough Outing:
Ronny Gil 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and assisted in one double play.
Geoff Klein 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, assisted in one double play, and threw one runner out.
Jonathan Rodriguez 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and assisted in one double play.
Seth Maness started and pitched six innings.  He allowed nine hits, five earned runs, one home run, struck two out, and picked one runner off for the losing decision (3-1). (g/f:10-3)

Palm Beach Cardinals Official Site Post Game

Peoria beat Quad Cities 7-2

Individual Highlights:
Matt Williams 2-for-4 with one walk and two strikeouts.
Nick Martini 1-for-4 with one run and one walk.
Colin Walsh 1-for-4 with one walk, two strikeouts, and one throwing error.
Roberto De La Cruz 2-for-5 with one home run, one RBI, one run, one strikeout, one fielding error, one missed catch error, and one unassisted double play.
Anthony Garcia 3-for-5 with one two-out RBI and two strikeouts.
Casey Rasmus 2-for-4 with one double.
Kevin Jacob entered in the sixth and pitched two innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, two walks, and struck two out. (g/f:1-3)
Robert Stock entered in the eighth and pitched two innings.  He allowed two hits, no runs, one walk, threw one wild pitch, and struck one out. (g/f:1-1)

Rough Outing:
Roberto Reyes 0-for-4 at the plate.
Virgil Hill 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
Garrett Wittels 0-for-4 with one ground into double play.
Jonathan Cornelius started and pitched three innings.  He allowed five hits, five runs (three earned), three walks, one balk, and struck five out for the losing decision (0-1). (g/f:4-0)

Notes:
Jonathan Cornelius was promoted from extended spring training (Batavia) andRoberto Reyes was activated while Adam Lewis and Tyler Rahmatulla were placed on the disabled list.

Quad Cities River Bandits Official Site Post Game
Quad-City Times Post Game
Quad-City Times Post Game Two
Peoria Chief Official Site Post Game
Examiner Post Game

Extended Spring Training: Gulf Coast League Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals released right-handed pitcher Fermin Montanez roughly between April 24-30 according to Baseball America.

Montanez, 21, was signed as an undrafted free agent July 4, 2009 by the Cardinals out of Maracay, Venezuela.  He spent his first two professional seasons in the Venezuelan Summer League before the organization pulled the team out of the country.  And this past year he was moved to the bullpen and promoted to the Gulf Coast League.  The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder made a total of 28 appearances (nine starts) posting a 2-6 record, 3.41 ERA, and earned one save.  He allowed 73 hits, 32 runs (27 earned), three home runs, 17 walks, and struck 36 out over 71.1 innings.

Montanez had been in extended spring training in Florida since mid-March.

Quad Cities River Bandits Report April 5-16, 2012

The Quad Cities River Bandits opened the 2012 season dropping the first series and laying claim to the next two.  The Single-A ball club is 7-4 with a .636 PCT and have won two straight games.  The River Bandits are 2-2 at home and 5-2 on the road and are currently a half game up in the Midwest League Western Division.

Recap April 5-16

April 5 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game: Kane County came to town to take on Quad Cities for a three-game series to open the 2012 season.  Tyrell Jenkinswas tapped as the opening day man for the River Bandits and things did not go well for him.  Jenkins got a quick first inning bu was quickly knocked around in the second and knocked right out the game.  Lane Adams led off with a triple and scored on a error.  Orlando Calixte reached on that error and scored on a triple by Justin Trapp.  A walk, a fly out, and another error lead to Trapp scoring.  Jenkins was lifted for Robert Stock who would also take a beating.  Daniel Mateosingled and Michael Antonio doubled drove Mateo and Alex Llanos in for a couple more runs for the Cougars.  Stock would give up a walk and chalk up a grand slam to Adams to clear the bases.  Quad Cities made a come back in the bottom of the second putting six runs on the board as Colin Walsh hit a two-run homer andTyler Rahmatulla and Luis Mateo fired off doubles.  Errors gave Kane County a couple more runs in the third and fifth innings as Quad Cities now fell behind 11-6.  The River Bandits would make a small comeback in the sixth as Mateo and Juan Castillo connected for back-to-back singles. Matt Williams doubled to drive one in and an error on a Nick Martini hit gave up a freebie.  Roberto De La Cruzreached on a double to score Williams and he would score on an error.  The final three innings went silent as Kane County held on to beat Quad Cities 11-10.

April 6 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game: Hector Hernandez took on game two for Quad Cities and pitched five scoreless giving up five hits and striking out six.  Brandon Creath, Logan Billbrough, and Heath Wyatt would combine to clean up the remainder of the game that only saw another four hits and no runs by Kane County.  The River Bandits started attacking the scoreboard in the third as Roberto De La Cruz singled and traveled around on errors, walks, and fielder's choices to score.  Quad Cities turned it on in the fourth as Juan Castilloand Matt Williams reached base then scored on a wild pitch and fielding error. David Medina walks and would double steal with Nick Martini, would scored.  Medina scored after Colin Walsh walked and Anthony Garcia doubled.  Another error by Kane County and Tyler Rahmatulla gets on and Walsh and Garcia score.  The game went quiet until Quad Cities got men on in the eighth and struck again to give them a safe 8-0 win over Kane County.


April 7 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game: For finale of the three-game series,Kellen Moen and Todd McInnis faced off.  Moen racked up nine strikeouts in the first four and a third.  Quad Cities got on the board in the third on a third strike wild pitch allowing Tyler Rahmatulla to reach.  Rahmatulla moved on over to second on another wild pitch and scored on a Luis Mateo triple.  Mateo then scored on a fielding error that Jesus Montero hit.  Justin Trapp hit a solo homer off McInnis in the third to make it River Bandits 2-1.  Quad Cities and Kane County exchanged runs in the fifth and the Cougars went on to run the score up adding three in the sixth, and one each in the seventh and eighth.  Kane County's bullpen came through to pitch four and two-thirds innings allowing two hits, no runs, two walks, and three strikeouts to give them the 7-3 win over Quad Cities.

April 8: The Quad Cities River Bandits had day off.

April 9 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game: Quad Cities went on the road for a three-game series against Peoria, and the game got off going right away with a run here and run there.  A fielding error and double allowed Marco Hernandez to score in the first.  The River Bandits and Chiefs exchanged runs in the second as a passed ball helped move Tyler Rahmatulla on over and a couple singles pushedReggie Golden across.  With Peoria up 2-1, Quad Cities tagged on two more runs in the next two frames with Juan Castillo scoring on Nick Martini single andDavid Medina doubling in Colin Walsh.  The Chiefs put one more on the board to knock Sam Gaviglio out and the bullpen came in.  The Quad Cities bullpen finished off the game with four scoreless innings and the offense turned it on again in the ninth.  Rahmatulla was hit by pitch, Medina was walked, Luis Mateo was hit, andJuan Castillo sacrificed to score Rahmatulla.  Medina scored on a Matt Williamssingle, Nick Martini singled, and Anthony Garcia hit a three-run double to put the game away at 8-3 in favor of the River Bandits.

April 10 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game:  Game two saw the River Bandits pitching staff take the lead again and offense fall right in.  Quad Cities pretty much went with a bullpen style staff using Kyle Hald, Willy Paulino, Danny Miranda, and Heath Wyatt to hold Peoria to just three hits, one run, one walk, two hit batters, and five strikeouts.  The River Bandits turned on the attack in the second asDavid Medina reached on a throwing error, Luis Mateo singled, and Roberto Reyes doubled in both.  Reyes advanced on an error and scored on a Juan Castillo sacrifice to put Quad Cities up 3-1.  Colin Walsh walked in the third andGarrett Wittels followed with a single.  David Medina singled in Walsh and Mateo doubled in Wittels to make it 5-1 Quad Cities.   The scoreboard didn't light up until the top of the ninth when the River Bandits topped it off with two more runs for the 7-1 win over the Chiefs.

April 11 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game: Quad Cities got things started off in game three of the series against Peoria.  Matt Williams, Nick Martini, andRoberto Reyes each reached right away with singles off Chief starter Michael Jensen.  Anthony Garcia came up empty handed but David Medina unloaded the bases with a double putting the River Bandits up 3-0.  Dail Villanueva cruised through the first two innings and was greeted in the third as he got a ground out on the first batter, and hit the next one, followed by a double by Paul Hoilman.  Villanueva walked the next batter and Eduardo Gonzalez reached on a fielding error by Medina which scored Ryan Cueno.  Still with two men on, Peoria gets another run on a ground out to make it Quad Cities 3-2.  The Chiefs would come back for another attack in the fourth.  Zeke DeVoss reached on a single but moved around the bases on a wild pitch and throwing error by Jesus Montero.  Wes Darvill was walked and Cueno unloaded the bases with a two-run homer, that would end Villanueva's day and put Peoria up 5-3.  The River Bandits and Chiefs bullpen's both shut each other's offense down for the final five frames as Peoria won 5-3.

April 12 Quad Cities River Official Site Post Game: Matt Williams lead off game one between Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids with a double to get things started.  After a couple outs, Roberto Reyes knocked in Williams for the first run of the game.  Hector Hernandez was able to hold the Kernels at bay for the first three innings as the River Bandits launched another attack. Juan Castillo singled and moved over on a wild pitch, Williams reached on a walk, while Nick Martinigrounded out to move them over.  Anthony Garcia doubled and Reyes singled to push a couple more runs across and make it 3-0 Quad Cities.  The River Bandits got a couple quick outs to start the fourth but went down hill form there.  Kaleb Cowartwalked, Frazier Hall singled, and Tyler Rahmatulla committed an error to allowAndy Workman on base and Cowart to score.  Abel Baker doubled to tie up the game before the innings ended.  Neither team could score from the fifth through seventh and bats came swinging again.  Williams and Martini came through with a couple doubles in the eighth and Colin Walsh homered in the ninth as Cowart doubled in a run but Quad Cities beat Cedar Rapids 6-4.

April 13 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game:  Cedar Rapids started the scoring in the first off Todd McInnis, who gave up a walk and balk bit him right after.  Quad Cities waited until the third through sixth to get the bats going.  Juan Castillohit a solo homer in the third, Colin Walsh doubled in Anthony Garcia andTyler Rahmatulla singled in Walsh to make it 3-1 in the fourth.  Kaleb Cowartsingled and was quickly knocked in by Frazier Hall to help get the Kernels within one run.  Castillo wasn't done yet as he launched a second homer in the fifth, then Walsh doubled to only be driven in by David Medina's homer.  McInnis held on to pitch through the seventh and only allow seven hits, three earned runs, two walks, and struck five out.  Cedar Rapids would end the game hassling Robert Stock andDanny Miranda but come up short as Quad Cities won 6-5.

April 14 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game:  Cedar Rapids called on Jairo Diaz to slow down Quad Cities and indeed he did.  Diaz tossed seven scoreless innings giving up four hits (two extra bases by Colin Walsh) and one walk.  The Kernels put two runs on the board in the second with a couple singles, another in the sixth by a Kaleb Cowart home run, and two more in the seventh on a double and single.  Cedar Rapids shut out Quad Cities 5-0.

April 15 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game:  After Quad Cities was shut down in the previous game, their offense came well alive in the four-game finale.  Matt Williams doubled, Nick Martini walked, and Juan Castillo knocked in Williams with a single.  Colin Walsh doubled to drive in both Martini and Castillo making 3-0 Quad Cities.  Sam Gaviglio had a strong showing only giving up one run in the first inning and closing it out for the next five.  The River Bandits added another run in the third on a walk.  Quad Cities padded the lead with three more runs in the fifth as Colin Walsh launched a homer.  The River Bandits weren't done yet as they added two more in each of the eighth and ninth innings with Anthony Garcia and Castillo legging out triples and beating Cedar Rapids 11-1.

April 16 Quad Cities Official Site Post Game: Quad Cities launched an offensive attack on Clinton in the second inning of the first-game of the series between the two.  David Medina opened with a solo home run.  Tyler Rahmatulla walked but was called out on force as Anthony Garcia reached base.  Roberto Reyes pushed over Garcia on a single, and Luis Mateo loaded up the bases.  Matt Williams cleared the bases with a triple making it 5-0 Quad Cities.  Dail Villanueva would old things down until getting touched in the third.  Clinton led off with three consecutive singles that scored one run.  Jharmidy DeJesusdoubled to score Jamal Austin and Steven Baron and make it 5-3 Quad Cities.  Villanueva calmed down to finish off pitching six innings giving up seven hits, three earned runs, and striking out six.  Brandon Creath and Danny Miranda played cleanup to finish off the game with three scoreless frames and beating the Lumberkings 6-3.

Who's Hot:

Juan Castillo collected four multi-hit, one multi-homerun, and two multi-RBI games in the past period.  The 22-year old right-handed hitter went 13-for-29 (.448) with one triple, two home runs, six RBIs, nine runs, seven walks, two sac flys, one strikeout, and grounded into one double play.  He played eight games at catcher where he threw out three of four runners, assisted in one double play, and had one catcher interference error..

Matt Williams opened the season with a seven-game hit streak but also had five multi-hit and two multi-RBI games.  The 22-year old right-handed hitter went 14-for-41 (.341) with five doubles, one triple, six RBIs, four walks, ten runs, eight strikeouts, and grounded into one double play.  He played ten games at shortstop where he assisted in ten double plays and committed two fielding and three throwing errors.

David Medina will be riding a ten-game on base and eight-game hitting streak into the next report.  The 23-year old left-handed hitter went 11-for-36 (.306) with four doubles, two home runs, 11 RBIs, six walks, six runs, one stolen base, nine strikeouts, one caught stealing, and grounded into three double plays.  He played two games in right field, seven at first base (assisted in nine double plays and committed one fielding error), and split one game between the two positions.

Colin Walsh opened the season on a nine-game on base streak and also added three multi-hit, two multi-double, and two multi-RBI games.  The 22-year old switch-hitter went 12-for-40 (.300) with five doubles, one triple, three home runs, nine RBIs, nine runs, five walks, four strikeouts, and grounded into one double play.  He was designated hitter for nine games and played one game at second base, where he assisted in one double play.

Todd McInnis came through with two good starts where he was able to keep the ball down on the ground.  The 24-year old right-hander was called on for the April 7 start where he went five innings and allowed seven hits, two earned run, one home run, and struck four out.  Then on April 13 he gave up seven hits, three earned runs, two walks, threw one wild pitch, one balk, and struck five out over seven innings.  The 25th round (770th overall) selection had a combined ground out-to-fly out ratio of 19-to-2.

Hector Hernandez also had a strong debut in the starting role for the River Bandits.  The 21-year old left-hander started on April 6 giving up five hits, no runs, and striking out six over five innings for the winning decision (1-0).  He then went six innings allowing two hits, three unearned runs, one walk, hit one batter, and struck out two on April 12.  The 2009 10th round (309th overall) selection had a combined ground out-to-fly out ratio of 15-to-5.

Heath Wyatt has plowed through five relief appearance already without allowing a run.  The 23-year old right-hander has racked up six innings allowing just three hits, no runs, two walks, and striking out four.  He earned his first save on April 12 and has a combined ground out-to-fly out ratio of 7-to-3.

Who's Not:

Luis Mateo collected three multi-hit games but was empty handed in many others.  The 21-year old right-handed hitter went 9-for-39 (.231) with four doubles, one triple, three RBIs, eight runs, one walk, one stolen base, one hit by pitch, nine strikeouts, and grounded into one double play.  He played ten games at second base where he assisted in ten double plays and committed one fielding error.

Robert Stock struggled a little making his transition from catcher back to the mound.  He made his debut on April 5 allowing four hits, five runs (four earned), one home run, one walk, and striking out one over one and a two-thirds.  He had a scoreless outing on April 9 going one and a third and giving up two hits, two walks, and striking out four.  Then on April 13 was touched up again for three hits, two earned runs, one walk, and struck one out over one and a third.  He earned a hold, had a combined ground out-to-fly out ratio of 5-to-3, and let two of three inherited runners score. 

Kevin Jacob was hit pretty hard in his debut at Single-A but it's still early for him.  The 23-year old right-hander pitched on April 14 allowing four hits, three earned runs, one home run, and struck three out.  He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 1-to-1.

Notes:

Roberto De La Cruz didn't last very long as he was placed on the disabled list within four games with a leg injury.  He went 6-for-18 (.333) with one double, two RBIs, seven total bases, two runs, and three strikeouts before the leave.

Logan Billbrough made three relief appearances and was quickly promoted to A-Advanced Palm Beach.  He logged just three innings allowing two hits, no runs, and struck eight out.

Jeremy Patton and Kevin Jacob were both promoted from extended spring training to cover the holes left by De La Cruz and Billbrough.

Tyrell Jenkins started on April 5 pitching just one and a third innings and allowing two hits, five (one earned) runs, and two walks.  He was pulled early due to bicep tenderness and missed his next scheduled start.

Angel DeJesus is currently being held up in customs in the Dominican Republic and was placed on the reserve list.

Adam Lewis was placed on the disabled list to clear room on the roster.

Cody Stanley is serving a 50-game suspension for failing a mandatory drug test.

Manager Luis Aguayo discusses his background and the upcoming season in 'New Bandits Skipper Embraces Teaching Role'.

New General Manager Stefanie Brown takes on five questions on her new role with the River Bandits.

Kyle Hald only pitched one inning in his first start, April 10, after being struck in the head with a ball.

Robert Stock talks about making the move from catcher to pitcher in 'Stock Catching On At Pitcher'.

2012 Midwest League Stats:

The Quad Cities River Bandits are batting .271 (3rd) with a .343 OBP (3rd), .420 SLG (2nd), and .763 OPS (3rd).  The team ranks first in doubles; second in runs, RBIs, and total bases; tied for third in home runs; tied for fourth in hits and triples; fifth in walks; tied for tenth in caught stealing; 15th in strikeouts; 16th in stolen bases in the 16-team division.

 The River Bandits have a 2.41 ERA (2nd) and 1.16 WHIP (t-3rd).  The team ranks tied for second in wins, tied for third in shutouts, tied for fourth hit batters, tied for sixth in holds, tied for seventh in saves, tied for ninth in home runs allowed, tenth in strikeouts, 11th in runs allowed, tied for 12th in hits allowed, 14th in losses (tied) and walks allowed, and 15th in earned runs in the 16-team division.

Juan Castillo ranks second in AVG, tied for sixth in home runs, second in SLG, and third in OPS.
Luis Mateo ranks tied for fifth in runs and tied for fourth in doubles.
Colin Walsh ranks tied for fifth in runs, tied for fourth in doubles, tied for third in home runs, tied for tenth in RBIs, tied for fourth in total bases, and sixth in SLG.
Matt Williams ranks tied for fifth in runs and tied for fourth in doubles.
Anthony Garcia ranks tied for fourth in doubles.
David Medina ranks tied for sixth in home runs, tied for third in RBIs tied for seventh in walks, and tied for tenth in strikeouts.
Nick Martini ranks tied for seventh in walks.
Ethan Cole ranks fifth in ERA.
Hector Hernandez ranks tied for seventh in ERA, tied for fifth in innings pitched, and seventh in WHIP.
Brandon Creath ranks tied for second in wins and tied for sixth in holds.
Heath Wyatt ranks tied for tied fifth in saves and tied for first in game finishes.
Willy Paulino ranks tied for first in hit batters.
Danny Miranda ranks tied for sixth in holds and tied for eighth in game finishes.
Robert Stock ranks tied for sixth in holds.
(Note: Includes April 18 Stats) 

Up Next:

April 16-18: Clinton
April 19-21 @ Dayton
April 22-24 @ Bowling Green

Former Cardinals Assigned To Single-A

Javier Avendano - Lansing (Blue Jays)