DOWNTOWN — Brett Wallace, a “professional hitter” according to every Cardinals official who has circulated through the room here at Busch Stadium, said he doesn’t see any reason he won’t be going pro once this college season is done.

“I think it’s locked in that I’m coming to St. Louis,” Wallace said in a conference call with reporters this afternoon. “I want to get my career going. I can’t think of another team I’d rather start it with.”

The Cardinals have been in touch with Wallace and have a good feel on what it will take to sign him. Wallace and his Arizona State team are preparing for a Super Regional against Fresno State this weekend, and the Cardinals cannot sign the lefthanded-hitting third baseman until after the Sun Devils are eliminated.

“I’m ready to get started,” Wallace said.

The Cardinals compensatory pick is coming up here. One of the players they were looking at is already off the board — reliever Daniel Schlereth, the lefty from Arizona. There are two other lefthanded pitchers the Cardinals have looked at for an early-round pick: Wade Miley of Southeastern Louisiana and Brett Devall from Niceville (Fla.) HS.

Also, RHP Tim Melville is on the board and a Cardinals official said he would be a nice get in the supplemental round.

More on Wallace and his ability to play third, more from Wallace coming shortly.

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