New Rules, Rich Returns: Hindsight From 2012's 'Michael Wacha Draft' Shows Cardinals Can Maximize Many Picks In 2020's Reduced Rounds

Even under the cloak of dark, cloudy skies and chilly conditions, the Cardinals’ brand new director of amateur scouting couldn’t hide his crew’s presence that February night eight years ago that would add to the club’s history within 20 months.

Post-Dispatch

Catching Up Fast: About To Turn 20, Ivan Herrera's Potent Bat, Improving Defense Mask His Youth

It was only a sneak peek, a brief four-at-bat glimpse of Class AA’s rigors that the Cardinals offered catching prospect Ivan Herrera at the end of his first full summer playing in the United States. At 18, he was nearly six years younger than the average age in the Texas League, and the Cardinals didn’t hastily quantum-leap him four levels because of their need. They wanted to see what he learned.

Birdland

Matt Swanson On Carson Kelly: 'One Of My Absolutely Favorite Kids That I Got To Meet'

Before Carson Kelly was a budding star as a catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, he was a top prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals system.

The Oregonian'

A Salute To Mom From A Member Of Every Club

Mother's Day is special everywhere, and in baseball, it takes on an added significance since so many MLB players wouldn't be where they are without the love and sacrifices of their mothers as they were growing up. With the help of all 30 MLB.com beat writers, here are touching Mother's Day memories and messages from a member of each club.

St. Louis Official Site

May 1 In Peoria History

Throughout our history the Chiefs have played 34 games (18–16 record) with four games postponed May 1.

Chiefs Blog

April 12 In Peoria History

Throughout their history the Chiefs have played 32 games (13–19 record) with 4 rain/snow outs on April 12. There have been three season openers on April 12 with the Chiefs going 1–2 in those games.

Chiefs Blog

Former Cardinals Playing In MLB Spring Training 3-9-2020: Juan Nicasio Strikes Out Two Over One Scoreless Inning; Greg Holland & Trevor Rosenthal Each Strike Out One Over One Scoreless Inning

Photos: Juan Nicasio has a secret, sun shines bright, JD keeps an eye on his team during Rangers Saturday spring training workout in Surprise https://t.co/ymXafKMvk9 #SpringTraining2020 #TogetherWe pic.twitter.com/poMSnQQW12

— Smiley Pool (@SmileyPool) February 15, 2020

Matt Adams (former St. Louis-New York-N) started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  0-for-3 with one walk.

New York-N and Miami tied 1-1

Charlie Tilson (former Memphis-Pittsburgh) entered late in the game in right field and batted fourth.  0-for-1 at the plate.

Toronto beat Pittsburgh 3-1

Jose Martinez (former St. Louis-Tampa Bay) started at first base and batted second.  1-for-3 and one fielding error.

Ruben Tejada (former St. Louis-Toronto) entered late in the game at shortstop and batted leadoff.  1-for-2 at the plate.
Marc Rzepczynski (former St. Louis-Toronto) entered in the sixth and pitched to four batters.  He allowed no hits or runs, and one walk.  (g/f:2-1)

Toronto beat Tampa Bay 8-3

Steve Cishek (former St. Louis-Chicago-A) entered in the fourth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out.  (g/f:1-0)(ir-s:1-0)

Cincinnati and Chicago-A tied 3-3

Donovan Solano (former Memphis-San Francisco) started at second base and batted seventh.  0-for-2 with one strikeout and assisted in one double play.
Drew Robinson (former Memphis-San Francisco) entered late in the game at second base and batted seventh.  0-for-2 with one strikeout.
Tyson Ross (former St. Louis-San Francisco) entered in the sixth and pitched 1.2 innings.  He allowed two hits, two earned runs, one walk, one fielding error, and struck one out for the hold (1).  (g/f:2-1)

Cleveland beat San Francisco 11-7

Greg Holland (former St. Louis-Kansas City) entered in the fifth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, one walk, and struck one out.  (p-s:12-7)(g/f:1-0)
Trevor Rosenthal (former St. Louis-Kansas City) entered in the sixth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck one out.  (p-s:13-11)(g/f:2-0)

David Peralta (former Johnson City-Arizona) started in left field and batted fourth.  1-for-3 with one triple and one strikeout.
Ildemaro Vargas (former Springfield-Arizona) entered late in the game at shortstop and batted sixth.  0-for-1 at the plate.
Carson Kelly (former St. Louis-Arizona) started at catcher and batted ninth.  0-for-1 with one walk and one strikeout.

Kansas City and Arizona tied 4-4

Albert Pujols (former St. Louis-Anaheim) started at first base and batted fifth.  0-for-3 with two strikeouts.

Cleveland beat Anaheim 11-10

Tommy Pham (former St. Louis-San Diego) started as designated hitter and batted second.  0-for-3 with one strikeout.
Kyle Barraclough (former Springfield-San Diego) entered in the sixth and pitched to seven batters.  He allowed three hits, four earned runs, two walks, and struck one out.  (g/f:0-1)(ir-s:3-2)

Los Angeles beat San Diego 14-2

Tate Matheny (former 2012 draft selection-Boston) entered late in the game in centerfield.

Marcell Ozuna (former St. Louis-Atlanta) started in left field and batted fourth.  1-for-3 with one strikeout.

Boston beat Atlanta 2-1

Juan Nicasio (former St. Louis-Texas) entered in the seventh and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out.  (g/f:1-0)

Oakland beat Texas 5-0

Patrick Wisdom (former St. Louis-Seattle) entered late in the game at first base and batted third.  One walk at the plate.

Jedd Gyorko (former St. Louis-San Diego) started at third base and batted seventh.  1-for-2 with one strikeout.

Milwaukee beat Seattle 2-1

Madison Bumgarner's Impact On Diamondbacks Apparent

When they signed Madison Bumgarner this past offseason, the D-backs talked about the impact his presence could have on their younger pitchers.

Arizona Official Site

Former Cardinals Playing In MLB Spring Training 3-6-2020: Nick Martini & Francisco Pena Each Single, Homer, & Drive In Three Runs; Ruben Tejada Walks & Hits A Three-Run Homer

Nick Martini es felicitado después de conectar un jonrón. 🚀#LosPhillies
Acciones: https://t.co/ncfSRwzTay pic.twitter.com/k5jRbPjXxD

— Phillies de Filadelfia (@losphillies) February 29, 2020

Johan Mieses (former Memphis-Boston) entered late in the game in right field and batted fifth.  0-for-1 with one walk.

Pete Kozma (former St. Louis-Atlanta) entered late in the game at second base and batted second.  0-for-1 and assisted in one double play.
Marcell Ozuna (former St. Louis-Atlanta) started in left field and batted fourth.  1-for-3 with one two-out RBI and one strikeout.
Rafael Ortega (former Memphis-Atlanta) entered late in the game in left field and batted fourth.  1-for-1 with one run.

Atlanta beat Boston 7-5

Nick Martini (former Memphis-Philadelphia) entered late in the game in centerfield and batted leadoff.  2-for-2 with one home run, three RBIs (one w/two-outs), and one run.

Philadelphia beat Detroit 9-0

Randy Arozarena (former St. Louis-Tampa Bay) started in right field and batted leadoff.  1-for-2 with one run, one walk, and one stolen base.
Jose Martinez (former St. Louis-Tampa Bay) started as designated hitter and batted third.  0-for-3 with two strikeouts.
Deck McGuire (former Memphis-Tampa Bay) entered in the ninth and pitched to five batters.  He allowed one hit, three earned runs, one home run, two walks, and struck one out for the blown save (1) and losing decision (0-1).  (g/f:0-1)

Minnesota beat Tampa Bay 5-3

Charlie Tilson (former Memphis-Pittsburgh) entered late in the game in right field and batted eighth.  0-for-2 with one run.

Ruben Tejada (former St. Louis-Toronto) entered late in the game at shortstop and batted leadoff.  1-for-2 with one home run, three two-out RBIs, one run, one walk, and one strikeout.
Randal Grichuk (former St. Louis-Toronto) started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  1-for-3 with one home run, two RBIs, one run, and one strikeout.
Marc Rzepczynski (former St. Louis-Toronto) entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs.  (g/f:3-0)

Pittsburgh beat Toronto 19-13

Steve Cishek (former St. Louis-Chicago-A) entered in the second and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, one walk and struck two out.  (g/f:1-0)

Jason Heyward (former St. Louis-Chicago-N) started in right field and batted fourth.  1-for-3 with one run and one strikeout.
Daniel Descalso (former St. Louis-Chicago-N) started at first base and batted eighth.  0-for-2 with one strikeout and one fielding error.

Chicago-A beat Chicago-N 6-3

Trevor Rosenthal (former St. Louis-Kansas City) entered in the third and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, threw one wild pitch, and struck one out.  (g/f:1-1)
Greg Holland (former St. Louis-Kansas City) entered in the fifth and pitched one inning.  He allowed three hits, two earned runs, one home run, and struck two out for the blown save (1).  (g/f:0-1)

Kansas City beat Anaheim 4-3

Donovan Solano (former Memphis-San Francisco) started at shortstop and batted eighth.  1-for-2 with one run, one walk, and assisted in one double play.

Jedd Gyorko (former St. Louis-Milwaukee) started at third base and batted eighth.  0-for-2 with one strikeout.

San Francisco and Milwaukee tied 5-5

Francisco Pena (former St. Louis-Cincinnati) started at catcher and batted ninth.  2-for-3 with one home run, three RBIs, two runs, and one strikeout.
David Carpenter (former Palm Beach-Cincinnati) entered in the second and pitched to three batters.  He allowed one hit, one earned run, and one home run for the blown save (1).  (g/f:0-2)(ir-s:2-2)
Matthew Bowman (former St. Louis-Cincinnati) entered in the fifth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out for the hold (1).  (g/f:2-0)

Cincinnati beat Oakland 11-5

Zac Rosscup (former Memphis-Colorado) entered in the sixth and pitched to one batter.  He allowed no hits or runs for the hold (1).  (p-s:5-3)(g/f:1-0)(ir-s:1-0)

David Peralta (former Johnson City-Arizona) started in left field and batted fourth.  0-for-3 with one strikeout.
Andy Young (former Memphis-Arizona) entered late in the game at second base and batted fourth.  1-for-1 and assisted in one double play.
Jon Jay (former St. Louis-Arizona) started in right field and batted sixth.  1-for-3 with one double and one run.
Carson Kelly (former St. Louis-Arizona) started at designated hitter and batted ninth.  1-for-2 with one double, one RBI, two runs, and one walk.
Edwin Jackson (former St. Louis-Arizona) entered in the second and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits and two earned runs.  (p-s:19-12)(g/f:2-1)

Colorado and Arizona tied 6-6

Mike Mayers (former St. Louis-Anaheim) entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out.  (g/f:2-0)

Kansas City and Anaheim tied 4-4

Michael Wacha (former St. Louis-New York-N) started and pitched 2.2 innings.  He allowed five hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck two out.  (g/f:4-2)

Houston beat New York-N 3-2

Luke Voit (former St. Louis-New York-A) started at first base and batted fifth.  1-for-3 with one home run, one RBI, one run, and two strikeouts.
Adam Ottavino (former St. Louis-New York-A) entered in the sixth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck one out.  (g/f:2-0)

Baltimore beat New York-A 5-1

Jacob Wilson (former Memphis-Washington) entered late in the game at first base and batted ninth.  1-for-1 with one walk.
Sam Freeman (former St. Louis-Washington) entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck two out.  (p-s:11-9)

Sandy Alcantara (former St. Louis-Miami) started and pitched 3.1 innings.  He allowed one hit, two earned runs, two walks, and struck three out.  (p-s:59-37)(g/f:4-1)

Miami beat Washington 7-3

Anthony Garcia (former Memphis-Los Angeles) started in right field and batted ninth.  1-for-1 with two two-out RBIs and one walk.

Seattle beat Los Angeles 9-3

Tommy Pham (former St. Louis-San Diego) started as designated hitter and batted second.  1-for-2 with one double, one run, one walk, and one strikeout.
Luis Perdomo (former Palm Beach-San Diego) entered in the seventh and pitched two innings.  He allowed two hits, no runs, and struck three out for the hold (2).  (g/f:2-0)

San Diego beat Texas 4-3

Former Cardinals Playing In MLB Spring Training 3-3-2020: Oscar Mercado Doubles & Drives In One Run; San Freeman Strikes Out One Over One Hitlees/Scoreless Inning For The Save; Trevor Rosenthal Strikes Out Three Of Four Batters Faced

Oscar Mercado trade proves again Indians front office knows how to legally swindle | Jeff Schudel https://t.co/VG0hnroaI4

— The Morning Journal (@MorningJournal) February 27, 2020

Jose Martinez (former St. Louis-Tampa Bay) started at first base and batted second.  0-for-3 with one strikeout and assisted in two double plays.
Randy Arozarena (former St. Louis-Tampa Bay) entered late in the game in centerfield and batted ninth.  0-for-1 with one walk.

Marcell Ozuna (former St. Louis-Atlanta) started in left field and batted third.  0-for-3 with two strikeouts.
Pete Kozma (former St. Louis-Atlanta) entered late in the game at third base and batted fifth.  One hit by pitch at the plate.
Rafael Ortega (former St. Louis-Atlanta) entered late in the game in centerfield and batted eighth.  0-for-2 at the plate.

Tampa Bay beat Atlanta 5-2

Tate Matheny (former 2012 draft selection-Boston) entered late in the game in centerfield and batted third.  0-for-1 at the plate.

Luke Voit (former St. Louis-New York-A) started at first base and batted fifth.  1-for-3 with one run.
Adam Ottavino (former St. Louis-New York-A) entered in the sixth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out.  (g/f:1-1)

New York-A beat Boston 9-1

Aledmys Diaz (former St. Louis-Houston) started at second base and batted seventh.  0-for-2 with one strikeout.

St. Louis beat Houston 6-3

Jacob Wilson (former Memphis-Washington) entered late in the game as designated hitter and batted fifth.  One walk at the plate.
Max Scherzer (former 2003 draft selection-Washington) started and pitched 3.1 innings.  He allowed five hits, two earned runs, one walk, and struck five out for the winning decision (1-0).  (g/f:1-2)
Sam Freeman (former St. Louis-Washington) entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out for the save (1).  (g/f:1-0)

Washington beat Baltimore 5-3

Magneuris Sierra (former St. Louis-Miami) started in centerfield and batted ninth.  1-for-2 with one stolen base.

Miami beat New York-N 6-1

Oscar Mercado (former Memphis-Cleveland) started in centerfield and batted seventh.  1-for-3 with one double, one two-out RBI, one run, and one fielding error.

Anaheim beat Cleveland 11-7

Jose Adolis Garcia (former St. Louis-Texas) started as designated hitter and batted eighth.  1-for-3 with one strikeout and one caught stealing.

Texas beat San Francisco 6-5

Rowan Wick (former Memphis-Chicago-N) entered in the fifth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit and no runs.  (p-s:11-9)(g/f:2-0)

Zac Rosscup (former Memphis-Colorado) entered in the fourth and pitched to one batter.  He allowerd no hits or runs.  (p-s:s-s)(g/f:1-0)(ir-s:3-0)

Colorado beat Chicago-N 11-10

Tommy Pham (former St. Louis-San Diego) started as designated hitter and batted second.  0-for-2 with one run, two walks, one stolen base, and one strikeout.

San Diego beat Milwaukee 9-0

Carson Kelly (former St. Louis-Arizona) started as designated hitter and batted second.  1-for-3 at the plate.
Ildemaro Vargas (former Springfield-Arizona) started at shortstop and batted seventh.  0-for-4 with two strikeouts and assisted in one double play.
Luke Weaver (former St. Louis-Arizona) started and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed two hits, two earned runs, two walks, and struck three out.  (g/f:0-1)

Ian Kennedy (former 2003 draft selection-Kansas City) entered in the second and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, three earned runs, one home run, and hit one batter for the blown save (1).  (g/f:0-2)
Trevor Rosenthal (former St. Louis-Kansas City) entered in the third and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck three out.
Greg Holland (former St. Louis-Kansas City) entered in the fifth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, one home run, and struck one out.

Kansas City beat Arizona 6-4

Andrew Knizner Is Controlling What He Can Control As Yadier Molina's 'Heir Apparent'

Cardinals catcher Andrew Knizner is in maybe one of the most unenviable spots in baseball. He's a top prospect, but he has to follow up a legend.

KSDK

Former Cardinals Playing In MLB Spring Training 2-23-2020: Randy Arozarena Triples, Walks Twice, & Drives In Two Runs; Jose Adolis Garcia Hits A Solo Home Run; Ryan Sherriff Pitched One Hitless/Scoreless Inning For The Save

Feelin' Randy, baby. pic.twitter.com/8RbVgSEEXa

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) February 23, 2020

Shane Robinson (former St. Louis-Atlanta) entered late in the game in centerfield and batted leadoff.  0-for-2 with one run and one stolen base.
Rafael Ortega (former Memphis-Atlanta) started in left field and batted seventh.  1-for-2 at the plate.

Detroit beat Atlanta 5-1

Tate Matheny (former 2012 draft selection-Boston) entered late in the game in centerfield and batted sixth.  0-for-2 with one strikeout.

Ramon Urias (former Memphis-Baltimore) entered late in the game at second base and batted fourth.  0-for-2 with one run.

Baltimore beat Boston 11-5

Jacob Wilson (former Memphis-Washington) entered late in the game at seocnd base and batted eighth.  2-for-2 at the plate.

Miami beat Wasshington 5-2

Matt Vierling (former 2015 draft selection-Philadelphia) entered late in the game in centerfield and batted leadoff.  One walk at the plate.

Philadelphia beat Pittsburgh 4-3

Charlie Tilson (former Memphis-Pittsburgh) started in left field and batted ninth.  0-for-1 with one walk.

Detroit beat Pittsburgh 8-4

Luke Voit (former St. Louis-New York-A) started at first base and batted third.  1-for-3 with two strikeouts and assisted in two double plays.
Tyler Lons (former St. Louis-New York-A) entered in the second and pitched to one batter.  He allowed no hits or runs, and threw one wild pitch.  (g/f:0-1)(ir-s:2-1)

Randy Arozarena (former St. Louis-Tampa Bay) entered late in the game in right field and batted leadoff.  1-for-1 with one triple, two two-out RBIs, two runs, and two walks.
Jose Martinez (former St. Louis-Tampa Bay) started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  1-for-2 with one run and grounded into one double play.
Sean Gilmartin (former Memphis-Tampa Bay) entered in the seventh and pitched one inning.  He allowed three hits, one earned run, and struck one out.  (g/f:0-2)
Ryan Sherriff (former St. Louis-Tampa Bay) entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs for the save (1).  (g/f:2-1)

Tampa Bay beat New York-A 9-7

Aledmys Diaz (former St. Louis-Houston) started at shortstop and batted second.  0-for-3 with three strikeouts.

Washington beat Houston 2-1

Matt Adams (former St. Louis-Washington) started at first base and batted fourth.  1-for-2 at the plate.

St. Louis and New York-N tied 3-3

Francisco Pena (former St. Louis-Cincinnati) entered late in the game at catcher and batted fourth.  1-for-3 at the plate.

Chicago-A beat Cincinnati 7-2

Dominic Leone (former St. Louis-Cleveland) entered in the sixth and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, two runs (one earned), and struck two out for the hold (1).  (g/f:1-0)

Cleveland beat Kansas City 9-5

Daniel Descalso (former St. Louis-Chicago-N) started at second base and batted sixth.  0-for-2 and assisted in one double play.
Trevor Megill (former 2014 draft selection-Chicago-N) entered in the fourth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits, one earned run, one walk, threw three wild pitches, and struck one out for the blown save (1).  (g/f:1-1)

Anthony Garcia (former Memphis-Los Angeles) entered late in the game in left field and batted second.  One hit by pitch at the plate.

Los Angeles beat Chicago-N 4-2

Greg Garcia (former St. Louis-San Diego) started at second base and batted leadoff.  0-for-2 with one hit by pitch, two strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Breyvic Valera (former St. Louis-San Diego) entered late in the game at second base and batted second.  0-for-1 with one walk and grounded into one double play.
Luis Perdomo (former Palm Beach-San Diego) entered in the fifth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out for the hold (1).  (g/f:1-0)

San Diego beat Milwaukee 7-2

Jon Jay (former St. Louis-Arizona) entered late in the game in centerfield and batted leadoff.  2-for-2 with one RBI.
Ildemaro Vargas (former Springfield-Arizona) entered late in the game at third base and batted fifth.  1-for-1 with one double and one run.
Carson Kelly (former St. Louis-Arizona) started at catcher and batted eighth.  0-for-1 with one run and one walk.

Arizona beat Oakland 7-3

Mike Mayers (former St. Louis-Anaheim) entered in the third and pitched one inning.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck two out for the hold (1).  (g/f:0-1)

Anaheim beat Colorado 7-5

Jose Adolis Garcia (former St. Louis-Texas) entered late in the game in right field and batted third.  1-for-2 with one home run, one RBI, one run, and one strikeout.

Texas beat Seattle 7-5

Zac Gallen No Longer Flying Under The Radar

The past two springs, right-hander Zac Gallen had a relatively low profile.

Arizona Official Site

A Yadier Molina Extension Should Be Expected

Without much of a surprise, the St. Louis Cardinals are likely going to resign Yadier Molina for another extension beyond 2020, keeping him in red for life.

Redbird Rants

As Long As Yadier Molina Plays Like "Yadi," The Cardinals Should Keep Paying Hime

Yadier Molina is a productive Major League Baseball player who continues to evolve.

KSDK

The Yadier Molina Plan: How The Cardinals Can Respect A Legend & Manage Their Payroll

Yadier Molina will retire a St. Louis Cardinal. There's nothing more set in stone in St. Louis sports than the red coat being placed on Molina, his statue out front and his place in Cooperstown.

KSDK

Bernie's Offseason Audit: Next Batter Up, Paul Goldschmidt

Greetings. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.

101 ESPN

Is A Trade To St. Louis In The Cards For Mookie Betts?

In a recent piece for The Athletic, Jim Bowden did what many baseball fans and media do this time of year. He speculated about a blockbuster trade.

KMOV

Bernie On The Cardinals: The Cubs Make A Timely Front Office Hire That Could Change The NL Central

The Cubs made a smart and timely hire this week by tabbing former Cardinals’ draft director Dan Kantrovitz as their new VP of scouting.

101 ESPN

It Looks Like Cardinals Will Mostly Stand Pat

If you're eager for a winter of change in Cardinal Nation, take a step back and relax.

Gordo