This is kind of random, but I came across
this Jason Parks BP chat from Sept. and I think it's interesting to revisit his comments about Cards prospects almost a year later:
Short Shorts (Venice Beach): Who are 4 guys from this past year's draft class that you would comfortable saying you think will be perennial all-stars?
Jason Parks: Not comfortable at all, but here are four good candidates: Zunino, Wacha, Dahl, Buxton.
Oliver (Boston, MA): Michael Wacha had about as flawless a debut and finished with AA Springfield. At draft time, the consensus seemed to be that he was a high floor, mid-rotation possibility. Any chance his ceiling is higher than #3 (which would of course be great)? Who is the first to establish himself in the Card's rotation between Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal and Wacha?
Jason Parks: I think Wacha's ceiling is probably safer in the #3 range, with an outside shot he over-performs that. He was fantastic this season, but he was only working in 2 inning bursts, so it will be interesting to see how he looks when pace and sequence play a larger role. In bursts, he was 92-95 touching higher, with a plus 12-6 CB and a very promising CH.
Miller will establish first, and Wacha won't be far behind. Martinez is the wild card because I would give him the higher ceiling, but the bullpen whispers will never end.
DeathSpeculum (wacha wacha wacha): you seem higher than most on wacha. i know the numbers are immaculate, but shouldn't a 20 year old who was facing college guys last year be dominating A ball? are the reports just that good? i always thought his upside was somewhat limited... high floor/low ceiling guy, who seems like exactly the type that would/should dominate in A ball
Jason Parks: Yes, the reports were very good. His stuff arrived at the professional level better than it was in college. His domination was a small sample size, but the stuff is what matters, and he looked very good. The ceiling isnt crazy, but he could end up with two plus pitches, a solid third, and solid command, which is a dangerous package.
Cordwainer Bird (Hollywood): Thanks for the chat, Mr. Parks. Flamethrower Trevor Rosenthal...plausible #2 starter upside, or more like a 3/4?
Jason Parks: Some of that raw stuff makes you dream of a #2 ceiling, and I know several scouts that would put him on a pedestal that high. I'm a bit more cautious with him because of the secs, but he looks like a very good arm. Cardinals have a lot of talent.
sean3258 (Coatesville, PA): More detail on Trevor Rosenthal? He looked absolutely filthy in some big league pen performances this year? Does he stay in the pen or does he have a future in the rotation?
Jason Parks: More value in a rotation; easier path for success in the bullpen. Glad its not my call.
Jeff (St. Louis): Ryan Jackson and Pete Koma. Any reason for Cardinals fans to fuss over who gets the starting gig with Furcal out/next year?
Jason Parks: Well, after the Cardinals trade for Elvis Andrus in the off-season, they won't have to worry about a shortstop. #bam
Jeff (St. Louis): What would you picture the Rangers wanting back from the Cards for Andrus?
Jason Parks: A healthy package with a few big arms like Martinez and/or Miller.
iorg34 (Jalalabad): Do you still see Julio Teheran as a top 20 talent? Teheran or Shelby Miller for the long haul?
Jason Parks: Not without a better breaking ball. Give me Miller. #Texan
