Joe Strauss wrote:Mozeliak and La Russa discussed how the club would expand its roster Sept. 1. Though both parties remained reluctant to divulge specifics, it is clear there are no plans to elevate top prospect Colby Rasmus into the Cardinals' outfield mix.
Rasmus endured a difficult first half at Memphis and recently landed on the disabled list with a strained knee. He remains on a rehab assignment and is expected to soon return to Memphis. "He hasn't earned it," La Russa said regarding Rasmus' possible promotion. "Injuries are injuries, but you can't reward somebody because of it."
"It's very difficult to promote somebody who hasn't played in a month," Mozeliak said. "Still, we believe it's been a very valuable year for him."
The club probably will encourage Rasmus to play winter ball.
Reliever Randy Flores, catcher Gabe Johnson and infielder Brendan Ryan are believed locks. Reliever Kelvin Jimenez, first baseman Josh Phelps and Memphis starter Mitchell Boggs are also considered likely candidates. Third baseman David Freese, reliever Jason Motte and Olympian Brian Barden would have to be added to the 40-man roster, complicating their possible promotions.
According to mlb.com, Motte is on the 40-man and Phelps isn't. I also don't understand this mentality of "earning it." I don't think it should be looked at like a reward at all. He can obviously help the team and it would be better than not playing at all for him. No-brainer I think.
Last edited by haltz on August 26 08, 11:19 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Bernie The Hutt wrote:I wasn't there, but according to El Diablo, Tony made a comment along the lines of "Rasmus doesn't deserve to be here" in September.
I asked about the undercurrent in the organization that maybe Rasmus has to work harder to polish his skills. And Strauss did not disagree; he hears the same things.
Also, they will be sending Rasmus to play winter ball this offseason.
Bernie The Hutt wrote:I wasn't there, but according to El Diablo, Tony made a comment along the lines of "Rasmus doesn't deserve to be here" in September.
I asked about the undercurrent in the organization that maybe Rasmus has to work harder to polish his skills. And Strauss did not disagree; he hears the same things.
Also, they will be sending Rasmus to play winter ball this offseason.
-B
I heard the exchange (betweeb strauss and bernie) on the bernie radio show this afternoon. it seemed like a high school gossip thing.
MrSaigon wrote:wow. not exactly the 2008 I was expecting for Rasmus, and I would admit my expectations were quite a bit lower than most.
Father aside, does Colby have some demonstrated attitude issues? Maybe I missed a thread on it.
I understand keeping him down because he is coming off an injury, but I don't like TLR's wording. If Ankiel still can't run in a week and Rasmus is healthy, I see no reason why he shouldn't be called up for a taste. If Parisi could come up for meaningful games, I don't know why Colby can't for nothing games. There is also no excuse for not bringing Motte up about a month ago.
man, when was the last time this team produced a top prospect without some drama (I know Wainwright was a good prospect, but by the time he came to the Cards his stock had fallen, and not to mention that he actually came from a different organization, not the Cards)...
so really, again, when was the last time this team produced its own top prospect without a bunch of drama (Drew was Drew, Ankiels mechanics were changed and he blew up--not saying those were related--we're all familiar with Reyes)...
Maybe Matt Morris, or am I forgetting some Morris drama, or maybe forgetting a player since then