Cardinal Outfields under 30 Years Old

KShap — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:36:57 -0000

Ryan Ludwick - 29

Skip Schumaker - 28

Rick Ankiel - 28

Chris Duncan - 27

Brian Barton - 26

Nick Stavinoha - 26

Joe Mather - 25

Shane Robinson - 23

Jon Jay - 23

Colby Rasmus - 21

Daryl Jones - 21

Play GM here...What would you do with all your 11 twenty-something year old MLB caliber outfielders???

I would start by trading Chris Duncan. Here's why: Mather is a better hitter, fielder, and athlete and also is 2 years younger.

OK...Now we are down to 10. In theory, we would be ok with 10 outfielders (5 in STL and 5 Memphis) by placing Ludwick, Schumaker, Ankiel, Barton, and Mather in St. Louis and having Stavinoha, Robinson, Jay, Rasmus, and Jones in Memphis. In this scenario, there is no reason to promote Jay and Jones so they can continue to get more playing time down in Springfield unless injuries occur. However, they're both AAA caliber.

Now, what would you do for 2009???

You have Ankiel in RF (Arm Strength a key here), Rasmus in CF, and Ludwick, Mather, and Schumaker platooning in LF for St. Louis.

and

You have Jones, Jay, Robinson, Stavinoha, and Barton in Memphis.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO??? I have no idea. Gotta make some trades to make up for the middle infield, starters, and left handed relief.

SB Nation User Blog: KShap

Cardinal Outfields under 30 Years Old