Cards Like Draft Class of 2008

The St. Louis Cardinals picked up 51 players in Thursday's amateur draft, 27 pitchers and 24 position players. Here is a little info on the top 5 picks: 1. Brett Wallace 1B/3B Arizona State (13th overall pick) - Known as one of the top hitters in this year's draft, the Cardinals jumped at the chance to snag this PAC-10 Triple Crown winner, who is projected to be a .300 hitter with 25+ home runs one day as a major leaguer. He takes good at bats and provides some left handed power. 2. Michael Lynn Pitcher Ole Miss (39th overall pick) - Being an SEC fan (Alabama...Roll Tide) I am especially stoked to see us pick up Ole Miss' ace Michael Lynn. I have had to hear how good Ole Miss was all season, oftentimes at Alabama's expense. I have to confess I don't know much about Lynn, but I have seen some clips and he kind of reminds me of Andy Benes, in that he is a big guy. He is 6'5", 250 lbs. What he lacks in "stuff" he makes up for with pinpoint control of his pitches. He is the perfect project for Dave Duncan. 3. Shane Peterson OF Cal State Long Beach (59th overall pick) - He has hit for average in college, but hasn't really shown that much power. He plays both corner outfield spots well. Too soon to say much more about this guy. 4. Ernest Vazquez SS Durango High School in Nevada (91st overall pick) - He lacks the speed that most shortstops have but has a strong arm, which means he could end up playing third. He is projected to be about a .270 hitter in the majors with some pop in his bat. This pick doesn't impress me at all. But I hope I have to eat my words. 5. Scott Gorgen RHP UC Irvine (125th overall pick) - He has three pitches that he can throw for strikes, a fastball, a curve, and a changeup that are very good. He also has a great work ethic. He probably would have been taken higher if not for his size (5'10" 190 lbs.). So there you have it, my take on the Cards' top five picks. Our farm system has come a long way in the past year alone, and I think it is evident with all of our injuries how important it is to have depth. Let's hope this year is another step in the right direction.