DG, you indicated a few days ago JuanGone would play the field both days of this weekend? Do you know any reason he hasn’t? Is his time here pretty much finished?

Thanks for posting the lineups nice and early each day, Derrick. You are doing a fantastic job this Spring giving us great coverage. Your blog has now become my favorite on STLToday, and I find myself checking it for updates every few hours! Keep up the great work!

Now that the team won’t be playing with a DH anymore, then Juan Gonzalez will finally have to play in the outfield. He’s been doing okay at the plate, but if he’s really serious about making the team, he will have to play some LF … so let’s see how he does.

It seems like Schumaker has been leading off a lot lately. Barton hit well yesterday when he came in for Rasmus … heck, Barton has been hitting well all Spring. I hope they give him some more looks at the leadoff spot - because IMO he’s our best option - even over Schu.

A few questions for ya too, DG:

* When are the next round of cuts?
* What do you think the outfield will look like on opening day? I’m thinking it will be Duncan, Ankiel, Barton, Ludwick, and Schumaker.
* Is there ANY chance that Marti could sneak in over a guy like Ludwick if he keeps hitting? I doubt it, but I like this Marti guy.

Thanks in advance!

Redbird R — I don’t’ recall indicating that because it’s been something the last week or so we really haven’t gotten a straight answer on … until today. Juan Gonzalez will not play in the field as the Cardinals will no longer use the DH in games at National League ballparks. He hasn’t because La Russa wants to “save his legs”. That answer tells you the answer to your next question, too. His future with the team will be determined a lot by how he does through the rest of this month. He’ll time to play his way on or off the team …

Wes –
* After this trip to Disney.
* Ankiel, Duncan, Schumaker, Ludwick (who is out of options) … and still a scrum for the other spot. Rasmus and Mather are the leaders right now, with Barton closing and Juan Gonzalez lingering.
* Nope. La Russa said Marti may stay in big-league camp longer than some of the above contenders, but Marti is ticketed for Triple-A. They like him. They also would like him to play.

dg
-30-

DG,

Just wanted to thank you for all of the hard work you put into the blog. It really helps me keep up with the Cards’ spring activity from afar.

Much appreciated!

Bill

Who was the last Cards pitcher to go from the draft to spring training?

DG, i know jaime garcia hasn’t gotten a start like the other three, but to me he has been the most impressive minor league starter in camp. he has shown very good stuff, and he has the best results out of any of those guys.

Wes — Spoke too soon. Sometimes the answers to questions change from day to day. The Cardinals opted to make a few trims todays, reassigning Ron Flores, Brian Barden and Amaury Marti to the minor-league camp. Marti could return for a few at-bats, but La Russa said the plan is to keep him playing. Read that a couple ways: He won’t be taking at-bats away from the surging righthanded-hitting outfielders, Barton and Mather.

dg

Thanks, Derrick.

I understand too … I’m sure a lot of things change every day during Spring Training with every team. You never know what will happen each day with all the players in camp.

Sounds like a good move to get Marti some at-bats in AAA, while Mather and Barton get a lot of at-bats with the Cards - because they have both been ripping the ball. I want this Barton kid to make the team. He’s impressive.

Do you think Marti would ever get called up if an outfielder got hurt during the season, or might he be part of the September call-ups at the end of the year?

Also, I read some rumors online today from Ken Rosenthal … are the Cardinals upset with Kennedy, and does it mean that they may look for another middle infielder thru trade? Or, will they just wait and see how Kennedy does during the season?

Thanks again.

Baseball America is extremely thorough in its top-100 prospect list. Yet BA ranks Chris Perez as only 97 on its list. Why do you think he is not ranked higher? Some must have concerns, and I am guessing control is one.