TOWER GROVE — An overload of interactivity here at the bellwether, as the week includes the award exit polls, the prospect polls and forthcoming mailbag (PostCards@post-dispatch.com). The Bird Land Community Top 30 election continued over the weekend with between 647 and 708 voting for your picks as the Nos. 3-5 prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
At last check, there was a tie for No. 5, with 3B David Freese and C Bryan Anderson receiving 129 votes. That sorted itself out because Anderson won the vote at No. 4. So the updated list so far:
- Colby Rasmus, OF
- Brett Wallace, 3B
- Chris Perez, RHP
- Bryan Anderson, C
- David Freese, 3B
The attempt to balance fairness with expediency and order has inspired some questions. For example, I’ve received a few emails of concern that there were three player votes in the last entry and that could skew the vote from one rank to the rank. For the same of time, I think it’s worth combining a few spots per entry and allowing the number of voters to limit that margin for error. Still, the vote is taken, and for the next three days of the week, we’ll go two spots at a time and see how it works.
Another concern a few folks mentioned was that my comments on prospects could also influence votes. I understand the question, and I think there’s an obvious answer: Good. That’s kind of my job.
I hope to offer context, information and, yes, guidance on these prospects.
In the end, the democratic process will sort out what the “community” of readers value. Already, with Freese scoring a top-five vote, it’s clear that the “community” values proximity to the majors and production. Sure, there’s a promise. But there were very few votes for shoot-the-moon talents.
Those are coming now.
Below is a list of a dozen candidates to be considered for places Nos. 6-10. Please pick five from the list, and this vote will guide us through the next five positions in the Community Top 30. There is a 13th spot for a write-in candidate, and your arguments to expand the list are welcome in the comments section.
Check here for the links to resources about these players, and I’ll check back often for any questions.
It’s now safe, as scouts like to say, “dream on” some of your picks below. High production can be as important as high ceiling.
Will return tomorrow with the narrowed field for prospect spots Nos. 6 and 7.
Again, want more info on a prospect before voting. Write the question below, and I’ll check back frequently during the day.
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