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maddash wrote:Freese might crack the 10 prospect list in the Pads system... but that's a BIG stretch. Top 20 is more like it. So we're basically looking at a salary dump. And that's fine - like I said, Jimmy carries a lot of sentimental value, but he just ain't worth that much. Of course, my big fear (and the way things have gone it may just be true) is that the Cards will kind of forget to do the whole dump part of the salary dump. We may just end up paying the majority of Jimmy's contract, things have gone that badly.

The question is... why would we need to dump salary for '08?

Attendance might be down because we know the team will probably suck?

greenback44 wrote:I don't have a minor league database, but I'm sure the list of players who haven't played at all above A-ball before their age-25 seasons is pretty bleak.

I'm seeing visions of Earl Snyder. If that's the case, Freese will be raking at Memphis when he's 28.

greenback44 wrote:I don't have a minor league database, but I'm sure the list of players who haven't played at all above A-ball before their age-25 seasons is pretty bleak.

What percentage of players stay in college through age 22 and then go into pro ball? It's definitely not a majority. Sure, it hurts his value...but he's still only had two seasons of MiLB ball before AA. That's the same amount of time as Rasmus.

I know the difference in ages is huge as far as what quality of prospect that makes him, but it's not like Freese was just languishing as a nobody in the low minors/college until his age gave him an unfair competitive advantage over his brethren, either. It's a slightly different situation...and one there probably aren't a lot of good comparisons for.

We're all forgetting the silver lining in all of this: it opens up a spot for the Cards to re-sign Taguchi so he can platoon center with Ankiel.

maddash wrote:Freese might crack the 10 prospect list in the Pads system... but that's a BIG stretch. Top 20 is more like it. So we're basically looking at a salary dump. And that's fine - like I said, Jimmy carries a lot of sentimental value, but he just ain't worth that much. Of course, my big fear (and the way things have gone it may just be true) is that the Cards will kind of forget to do the whole dump part of the salary dump. We may just end up paying the majority of Jimmy's contract, things have gone that badly.

The question is... why would we need to dump salary for '08?

Freese didnt crack the Top 20 by John Sickels

Chase Headley, 3B, Grade B+ (should this be A-?)

Matt Antonelli, 2B, Grade B+

Matt Latos, RHP, Grade B

Wade LeBlanc, LHP, Grade B

Will Inman, RHP, Grade B

Kellen Kulbacki, OF, Grade B

Cedric Hunter, OF, Grade B- (I still like his chances)

Kyle Blanks, 1B, Grade B-

Chad Huffman, OF, Grade B-

Nick Hundley, C, Grade C+

Drew Miller, RHP, Grade C+ (great arm, could be higher)

Steve Garrison, LHP, Grade C+

Josh Geer, RHP, Grade C+

Mitch Canham, C, Grade C+

Cory Luekbe, LHP, Grade C+

Jeremy Hefner, RHP, Grade C+ (really like this guy)

Carlos Guevara, RHP, Grade C+ (excellent Rule 5 pick)

Michael Gardner, RHP, Grade C+ (excellent Rule 5 pick)

Corey Kluber, RHP, Grade C+

Ernest Frieri, RHP, Grade C+

http://www.minorleagueball.com/

From what I hear Freese has a strong bat, struggles against the curve, and has poor enough defense at 3b that his best shot is 1b... Hate to tell you this, but I doubt we'll see him on the Cards' 25 man roster ever

Looks like he raked at South Alabama.

And hey, I've played against the guy that got traded for Jim Edmonds! How neat.

Freese was only at High A ball b/c the Pads top prospect is also a 3B and his name is Chase Headley who was probably the 2nd best prospect in AA behind Rasmus.

So the fact he is 24 and only at High A is a bit misleading...he likely starts 2008 at AAA and is only one injury away from the MLB's if he continues to show progress with the bat.

Edmonds is a guy who makes alot, is diminished in his skills and production and will probably miss 30 to 50 games....to get anything other then a bag of balls and a used Carmello Martinez uniform for him is a good deal.

EastonBlues22 wrote:

greenback44 wrote:I don't have a minor league database, but I'm sure the list of players who haven't played at all above A-ball before their age-25 seasons is pretty bleak.

What percentage of players stay in college through age 22 and then go into pro ball? It's definitely not a majority. Sure, it hurts his value...but he's still only had two seasons of MiLB ball before AA. That's the same amount of time as Rasmus.

I know the difference in ages is huge as far as what quality of prospect that makes him, but it's not like Freese was just languishing as a nobody in the low minors/college until his age gave him an unfair competitive advantage over his brethren, either. It's a slightly different situation...and one there probably aren't a lot of good comparisons for.

He was 23 his senior yr ( 5th year senior) and has only 765 at bats a season and half worth.

I don't care how horrible Jim would have been. 08 was gonna suck with or without him. Why sign him for 2 years and then ditch him after the first? Complete horse crap. Congrats, Cardinals. You've ticked me off AGAIN.