For years now, the words “Cardinals” and “promising prospects” have seemed as incongruous and unrelated as “concept album” and “enjoyable listening experience.” On a system-wide level, that’s still the case; the Cards remain saddled with one of the weaker stables of minor league talent in baseball. That said, they are cobbling together a promising corps of young starters. In no particular order, let’s take a look at a few of them:
The Dodgers’ offense has cooled in the month of May. The Twins’ rotation has had its ups and downs already this season. And the after trying out third base, first base, and, yes, right field, the Giants will be starting Pedro Feliz at shortstop this week, in place of Neifi Perez. All this and much more news from Los Angeles, Minnesota, and San Francisco in your Friday edition of Prospectus Triple Play.
The Angels lose Troy Glaus for 60 days, or perhaps the entire season. Walkin’ machine Kevin Youkilis makes his debut with the Red Sox. Sammy Sosa hits the DL, weakening the Cubs’ lineup even more. Carl Everett returns for the Expos. And Raul Mondesi’s contract has been terminated by the Pirates. All this and much more news from around the league in your Friday edition of Transaction Analysis.
It was another day at the Indy Motor Speedway today, where I give hourly updates on nothing. Nothing happens, really. The same cars go out and do laps (very fast), then come in. The excitement is, maybe, a crash, but there was only one of those. Thankfully, no injuries and barely any damage to the million-dollar car. But the funny anecdote is that I was sitting with one of the drivers and he turns to me and says “you’re the baseball guy on the radio, right?” I said, yes. He paused and said “If I got a couple million dollars together, could I get to play for a team?” It took me a second to realize he wasn’t kidding. “No, (name), it’s not like racing. You’d have to go through the minors and all that.” He shook his head. “That sucks. Doesn’t seem fair.” I wasn’t sure if he was joking, but later, his cell phone rang. The ring tone? “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.” On to the injuries…