Cardinals Caravan Articles

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Interview with Colby Rasmus during the Cardinals Caravan stop in Springfield, IL.

Hal Pilger column: Rasmus looks forward to spring training heat / SJ-R.com

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I was able to meet Colby at the Caravan in Decatur, IL and was most impressed with his communication skills. At the autograph table, possibly only Rick Horton was a better communicator - and that's his job these days.

Colby was a very good listener and responded in detail to every comment and question from the hundreds of fans who were there getting autographs. Old Jay Randolph was sitting next to him, and leaning on Colby's shoulder while patting his arm, he was offering advice: "You're good, Colby, and you've got what it takes... I've seen a lot of good ones and you're really good... just keep working hard... don't worry about _____ ...you'll make it... just keep at it."

Colby listened, and I bet was taking it to heart.

[BleacherBum593]

Cards' Reyes tries to forget '07 - Redbirds' fortunes may improve with youth By Jim Masilak / Commercial Appeal

In the wake of such a disappointing campaign, the 26-year-old's status for the upcoming season remains uncertain. The right-hander and onetime top prospect could be traded before opening day or used as cover while the likes of Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder recover from injuries. A return to a full-time starting role, however, seems unlikely so long as manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan remain in town.

In the meantime, the former USC standout is trying to think positive. Reyes was one of four players who traveled to Memphis on Sunday as part of the Cardinals Caravan tour, and he said he is hopeful for a return to form in 2008.

After posting the worst record in club history in each of the past two seasons, the Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate has several reasons for optimism next spring.

With a number of highly regarded prospects rising through the ranks, including outfielder Colby Rasmus, Anderson and pitchers Mitchell Boggs, Perez and Jaime Garcia, the Redbirds are preparing for a much-anticipated youth movement in 2008.

Many of the players who helped the Double-A Springfield Cardinals to a runner-up finish in the Texas League a year ago will likely graduate to Memphis this spring. Some, like outfielder Joe Mather, Perez and infielder Jarrett Hoffpauir, got a taste of Triple-A action last summer.

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Cold thoughts of summer - Cardinals Caravan takes chill off of winter with thoughts of year ahead by Aaron Frey / Peoria Journal-Star

About 300 fans sporting their Cardinal red welcomed current players Aaron Miles, Brian Barden and Joe Mather and former Redbirds Scott Cooper and Kerry Robinson, as the Cardinals Caravan stopped at the Par-A-Dice Hotel.

"We're ready to get down to Palm Beach and get in that sunshine for sure," said Mather, who figures to compete for a reserve outfield spot in spring training.

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Memphis Redbirds: News: Article

Go Redbirds, for a change.

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Hal Pilger: Healthy 2007 shows Ludwick can produce for Cardinals by Hal Pilger / Springfield Journal Review

Ludwick played in 120 games for St. Louis, making 65 starts. He batted .267, hit a career-high 14 home runs — third-best on the team — and drove in 52 runs. He played all three outfield positions and committed just one error.

“I feel like I could do a little bit better, but I felt like I did an OK job,” Ludwick said. “And now I’m just excited for the opportunity to add on to those possibilities of becoming a better player.”

[BleacherBum593]

Cardinals Caravan pulls into Cape by Christopher Smith / SEMissourian

Hrabosky, the master of ceremonies, and Perez were joined by Cardinals top catching prospect Bryan Anderson, St. Louis pitchers Brad Thompson and Anthony Reyes, and former Cardinals pitcher Alan Benes.

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Here's a story on my longshot to make the 2008 Cardinals - Joe Mather

Big shot: Former Q-C player Mather gets chance to make Cardinals by Steve Batterson / Quad City Times

Joe Mather remembers the moment well. He was catching some sleep one late October morning at his Phoenix home when the phone rang.

“I saw the 314 area code — St. Louis — and I knew it was either good news or bad news,” Mather said Monday while in the Quad-Cities as part of the Cardinals Caravan.

“I’m the underdog, a long shot, but anything can happen,” he said. “I’m going there with the idea that I’ll do what I can, both for now and to help me for the future. This is what I’ve been working toward.”