Possible September Callups

With September right around the corner and the Cardinals trying to claw their way into the Wild Card, next week's roster expansions couldn't come at a better time. The Cardinals have several young prospects that could help us big in September. Many of them have already had stints with the parent club this summer, while others might be getting their first taste of big league life. The following list of players are MY picks as to who I would call-up if I were the general manager. Some of these guys won't be called up, but any of these guys very well could be. And I have had the added benefit of watching these guys play every day here in Memphis, so I have an added advantage over the average writer. If the Cardinals are able to make it to October baseball, here are just a few of the names that could help us in September: Before I get started, let me address Colby Rasmus. He has been sent back to A Palm Beach until he is fully healthy. Personally, I see no need to rush him back to AAA for the last week of their season, or even St. Louis for that matter. But if he is to earn a September call-up, it could totally depend on whether or not the organization thinks he is healthy enough and could help the Cardinals next month. Now on to the other guys (yes the Cardinals actually do have other prospects): 1. Brendan Ryan - We are all familiar with Brenden. And we all knew he will be back in St. Louis come September. The reason for his "demotion" (if you even want to call it that) was simple. He was not getting the playing time with the Cardinals that he could get here in Memphis. And while he hasn't set the Pacific Coast League on fire (.226 BA), we all know what Brendan is capable of. He brings an enthusiasm and energy to the team that is reminiscent of David Eckstein. And by the way, he has even been playing a little left field down here in Memphis, so now he is even more versatile. 2. Bryan Anderson - This guy is the best catcher in our minor league system. He has worked his way quickly through the Minors and finds himself in Memphis this season, hitting .284. He has incredible work ethic and is humble down to earth guy too. The problem the Cardinals have is we already have Yadie, so long term, it isn't certain that Anderson fits into our plans. But it is a good problem to have. If the Cardinals do call-up a third catcher, it will be Anderson. 3. Brian Barden - Fresh off being a member of the Olympic Team, Barden could easily find himself in St. Louis come next week. He is hitting .293. He is an average to above average shortstop in the field, but could give the Cardinals a little more depth in the infield as well as provide a good pinch hitter off the bench. 4. John Jay - Let me start by saying that I do NOT think Jay will be called up. He was just recently promoted to Memphis. But he has hit at every level of the organization. And his .345 average he is sporting here in Memphis could possibly earn him a spot come September. The problem is two fold for Jay. First off, the Cardinals don't really need more outfield help. We have enough problems as it is, making playing time for everyone now. Secondly, there are other guys that would probably get called up first, like Nick Stavinoha. 5. Nick Stavinoha - UPDATE....Stavinoha has already been called up again, and I didn't know that when I wrote this...Nick is officially the only guy to ever play for LSU that I like (ROLL TIDE). With Mather called up and Rasmus under-producing this season, our offensive leader has been Stavinoha. He is hitting .337 for Memphis this season and will no doubt give St. Louis some much needed help this September. 6. Josh Phelps - A Major League veteran that was an opening day starting first baseman for the New York Yankees a few years ago, he would play a Chris Duncan type roll if called up. I don't see it though, as Mather can play first if Albert goes down. 7. Rico Washington - Remember Rico from early this season? After spending around a decade in the minors, he finally made it to the show, only to be sent down when Brendan Ryan got healthy. Well, I just saw Rico go deep (hitting in the cleanup spot) about an hour ago for Memphis. The Cardinals don't really need another infielder, but he is a reliable bat and good glove if they do. 8. Mitchell Boggs - He is my favorite pitcher in our entire minor league system. He has already had a brief stint as a member of the Cardinals rotation earlier in the season, and really impressed me. I have paid close attention to him all season here in Memphis, and in my opinion he is the best starting pitcher to come through Memphis since Adam Wainwright. He will definitely be called up. 9. Randy Flores - No explanation needed. Welcome back Randy. 10. Ron Flores - Remember last season when we played Oakland in Oakland, and Rany Flores' little brother was their lefy specialist out of the bullpen. He did very well against us. Now he is a member of the Redbirds, and while I doubt we will call up that many lefties, he would do a good job if called upon. 11. Kelvin Jimenez - I am the wrong person to talk about Kelvin. I cannot stand this guy. He is terrible and I would gladly trade him for a used fungo bat. He is a minor league version of Izzy 2008. But the Cardinals like this guy and you can bet he will be on the team come roster expansions. He has shown me nothing here in Memphis....nothing. 12. Jason Motte - If Mitchell Boggs is my favorite starter in the minor leagues, Jason Motte is my favorite reliever. A catcher turned pitcher, this guy is both entertaining and effective on the mound. Picture 1/3 Eric Gagne, 1/3 Al Hrabosky, and 1/3 Joquain Andujar. Just kidding, but seriously this guy is going to be a stud closer or set up man in the bigs someday. And he may get his first taste of life in the bigs next week. 13. P.J. Walters - The other "Bama Boy" (Colby being the other), he is pitching tonight. He is 8-4 on the year, but has a 4.67 ERA. He is, in my opinion about where Mike Parisi is, in that he has potential, but needs more time at AAA. But you never know, he could get a start or two if the Cardinals need help. 14. Mark Worrell - Who can forget the sidearmed pitcher that slung some hash for the Cardinals, then even hit a home run in his fist major league at bat earlier this sesaon. He has a 2.26 ERA and would no doubt help our bullpen. So there you have it folks, some of the guys that I think could get a call-up next week. I guess we will see. The more important issue though, is can we get back into the thick of things. And I will be addressing that in my next post.