Comments on: Answering a question

By: Spiderman15

Spiderman15 — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 08:59:28 +0000

Talking about our prospects, where does our farm system rank compared to others? By this, I mean is there a recent BA or BP list of best farm systems? It seems pretty easy for me to find top prospects lists, but not easy for systems. Thanks.

By: Bob

Bob — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:27:31 +0000

Bernie is simply off the mark. I don’t know if he is trying to play devils advocate or just talking out of his _ _ _. But our system is what it is. Everyone in this system is trying to make it better, from Luhnow to each scout. I am going to remember his comment, and when a Walters or a Maiques becomes a major leaguer I’m going to remind him that he or anyone else can’t foresee how a “prospect” is going to pan out at the next level. This is the 1st site I bring up every day because I am a fan of the Cardinals farm system. I think that you guys are very objective and should be commended on a good solid website. I don’t agree with everything that is said here but that’s what I like most about it. As a father of a prospect I appreciate this site very much.

Continue the good work guys!

By: erik

erik — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:19:47 +0000

yeah, absolutely. send them to futureredbirds@inbox.com

By: Balkroth

Balkroth — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:02:36 +0000

I know for a fact that a few scouts think you’re right on the ball most of the time erik. They disagree in a few areas, but those are probably 5% of the time. Those comments angered me a lot since I know the time you put in (but then again, most Journalists do) so don’t worry about it.

Oh, and I should have my projections done right after x-mas if ya want um. Only 3 prospects in there though.

By: Todd

Todd — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 19:59:30 +0000

This is a great site. Your readers love and appreciate it. Even if it were directed at you, the site is incredible. One thing about valuing prospects is that it is so subjective. Obviously Lunhow values the guys he drafted over the guys he could have drafted and didn’t - maybe he’s changed his mind in a couple of places.

I think you guys do a good job of being objective. Everyone has favorites, of course, that’s part of the fun. You have definitely raised a lot of awareness about the minor league system by starting this site, erik. Keep up the good work. I appreciate it.

By: JDod

JDod — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 18:47:14 +0000

I enjoy my trips to this site everyday so I’m glad B’s comments weren’t directed here but it seems hard to think some of it could be as only so many sites focus as this one does.
I think the system is getting better, sure you have the star on top of the tree but the rest is still important to fill it out. I haven’t seen many of our prospects but did watch AA team a couple times on vacation and was very impressed with our top 3 players of Colby, Anderson and Perez who’s stuff was simply awsome and litterally made hitters look bad and real bad on some at bats. Martinez looked good enough to be our shortstop on the big club in the box and field but kinda small sample size.

I think things are only going to improve but I do like to look thru my card red shades.

By: Nick

Nick — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 18:28:46 +0000

I think Bernie does a great job of reporting information about the big club but I wonder if he isn’t projecting his own ignorance here. I wonder how in depth Bernie’s knowledge of the Cards farm system is…and also if he could name more than 1 prospect in any other teams system. Maybe his own lack of knowledge is clouding his (and others’) judgment of the Cards system.

One thing I did hear Bernie & Strauss say. was that teams were only asking about Rasmus, Anderson and Perez. I think that is probably true. However, that is exactly what I would do if I were an opposing team. If the Cards want another team to consider an Allen Craig (just an example) they would likely have to sell the other team on him. That’s how trades happen.

Anyway, just my 2cents. Regardless, keep up the good work guys. I think you are objective and fair in most of your evaluations on this site.

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 18:00:28 +0000

Or…the national media has known the Cardinals had a bad farm system for a very long time, so their expectations of the system are going to be tempered.

Also, St. Louis has some major contributors that didn’t make any top 100 lists. They may not have the flashy system top to bottom, but guys like Hoff and Martinez could contribute without being on anyone’s list.

The system does seem a lot better, especially at AA and below. But I don’t know if I feel that way because it actually is better, or because I have been paying more attention.

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 17:53:37 +0000

Maybe he was referring to message board GM’s at his site, many of whom expect all-stars in return for players that can’t crack the Cardinal 40 man. But that happens on every message board, for every team.

By: easy

easy — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 17:22:15 +0000

I agree that this site is pretty realistic in it’s presentation of players’ potential. I think we all know that hot prospects even of the Rasmus level can disappoint but we also know that others, let’s say of Martinez or even Derba level can carve out good major league careers. It’s not misleading for a site about a team’s prospects to point that out. As badly as the Cardinals have handled their farm system in the last decade it has been surprising how many seemingly long shot prospects have contributed so it’s only natural that, now that they’re handling it better, to be optimistic.