Blog Bat Around: Cardinals In Person Autograph Team

My second round for the Blog Bat Around will feature Cardinals autographs that I or my son have obtained in person.  All of these were obtained for free at minor league games, or the Cardinals WWU/Caravan.  Some of the guys are not the biggest names, but they had solid minor league careers or we very nice to us when signing. 

Catcher:  Carson Kelly

Kelly was converted to catcher 3 years ago.  His defense has been pretty good in the minors so far, but his hitting has been a little behind.  He did get a call up last year, but did not play much until the last couple of weeks.  With Yadi around for a couple of more years, Kelly's playing time will be limited unless there is an injury.

First Base:  Matt Adams

I will always be a Big City fan.  It is nice to see him getting some playing time in Washington.


Second Base:  Kolten Wong

I hope this is the year Wong becomes a consistent player.  He has a lot of potential, but has never put everything together for a full season.

Shortstop:  Greg Garcia

Garcia is more of a utility player now, but was a starting shortstop in the minors.  He is hands down one of the nicest players you will ever meet.

Third Base:  Ken Reitz

The Zamboni was a great fielding third base man for the Cardinals from 1972 to 980.  He had an average bat, but never received a lot of national recognition due to playing on some bad Cardinals teams.

Outfield:  Tommy Pham

After a long minor league career full of injuries, Pham had a breakout year in 2017.  So far he is keeping it up this year. 

Outfield:  Willie McGee and Ray Lankford

These 2 are repeats from my first list, but I could not leave them off.

Utility:  Jose Oquendo

What better player to have as your utility guy than someone who can play all positions and even pitch now and then. 

DH:  Brian Jordan

Jordan was a defensive back for the Atlanta Falcons before being a mainstay in the outfield during the mid 1990s.  He brought his football mentality to the baseball diamond.

Starting Pitcher:  Adam Wainwright

The ace of the Cardinals for most of the last decade, the end is drawing near for him. 

Starting Pitcher:  Carlos Martinez

The current ace of the pitching staff is off to a good start this year.  I hope he can stay consistent for the entire year.

Relief Pitcher:  Todd Worrell

Worrell was a dominant closer in the late 1980s.  Most Cardinals fans remember him for the Don Dekinger blown call in game 6 of the 1985 World Series.  Yes his foot was on the base and he did beat Jorge Orta to the bag.

Bonus Pitchers of the Future:  Alex Reyes, Luke Weaver, and Jack Flaherty

These 3 should be in the starting rotation together in a year or two.  Weaver already is, while Reyes is working back from Tommy John surgery and Flaherty is the so called 6th starter this year.