As the 2020 season draws to a close, it is time to take a look at several players in the Cardinals organization who appear to be developing the skills necessary to eventually contribute at the big league level. At this point in the season sample sizes are fairly large. Who has been performing well?
Springfield Reformers (AAA)
RF Allen Cummings (27) -- Drafted in the 5th round of the 2015 draft, Allen put up excellent numbers as he progressed through the minor league system. He now appears ready to compete at the major league level. Roster considerations held him back for the majority of the current campaign; however, a recent injury opened a spot on the Cardinals roster. In Springfield, Allen pounded AAA pitchers and recorded a .319/.470/.542/1.012 slash line. For the duration of the season, Allen will log significant playing time. Soon we will have a better feel for his ability to perform in the ABL.
1B Jesus Cruz (24) -- A 6th round pick in the 2018 draft, Jesus has surprised scouts by continuing to exceed expectations. In 2019 he homered 34 times, knocked in 121 runs, and walked 110 times in AA. In 2020 he has continued to display surprising power as evidenced by 20 HR and 76 RBI through the end of August. In addition, he has been solid defensively. The Cardinals are planning to continue to closely monitor his progress.
Murfreesboro Deacons (AA)
OF Takiji Ojima (23) -- Although Takiji's batting average has hovered near the .250 mark for most of the season, this could be considered a break-out year for the young, Japanese slugger, a 3rd round pick in 2017. This season he has launched 30 HR and recorded 99 RBI through the end of August. He ended the month on a hot streak, so it will be interesting to see how he fares for the entire season.
SP Wilson Cruz (24) -- Wilson, a round 4 pick in 2019, has been outstanding this season. In 24 starts for the Deacons, Wilson compiled a 14-2 record and registered a 3.62 ERA. His four, solid pitches baffled opposing batters enough to enable Wilson to record 138 strike outs in 136.2 innings pitched. The performance earned him a recent promotion to Springfield.
SP Manuel Garcia (23) -- Drafted out of Ohio State, the 2020 NCAA Division I national champions, in the 1st round of the draft held earlier this season, Manny has been transitioning well from the college game to the professional game. Earlier in the season he endured a few rough patches, but he has settled down and exhibited improvement throughout the summer months. For the Deacons, his ERA is only about 4.50, but he ends August with a 7-3 record. The future looks promising for the youngster.
Las Vegas Lost (A)
1B Baber Davi (19) -- Baber is a raw talent with seemingly unlimited potential. A 1st round pick in 2019, he performed for the Lost for a good portion of this season before being promoted to Murfreesboro. While with the Lost, he batted .341 with a .444 OBP and a .502 SLG in 317 at bats. With the Deacons he has been much more challenged as evidenced by his stats. However, he is only 19 years old. Organization scouts are confident he will rise to the occasion and begin pounding AA pitching with more authority very soon.
SP Michael West (18) -- Michael continued to surprise the scouts with many, strong performances this season. The 8th round pick in the 2019 draft was projected to be a long shot, at best, but scouts are taking a closer look. This season with the Lost, Michael recorded a 10-4 record and a 3.37 ERA in 23 starts. Additionally he fanned 135 while walking 55 in 136.1 innings. Recently he was promoted to Murfreesboro to enable scouts to evaluate him while facing stronger competition.
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