To view the full feature with reports on all 10 of the St. Louis Cardinals top prospects please visit this link.
Last year’s Cardinals list
The Top Ten
- OF Stephen Piscotty
- LHP Marco Gonzales
- RHP Alexander Reyes
- RHP Jack Flaherty
- LHP Rob Kaminsky
- OF Charlie Tilson
- LHP Tim Cooney
- RHP Sam Tuivailala
- RHP Luke Weaver
- C Carson Kelly
1. Stephen Piscotty
Position: RF
DOB: 01/14/1991
Height/Weight: 6’3” 210 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2012 draft, Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA)
Previous Ranking: #3 (Org), #66 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: .288/.355/.406 at Triple-A Memphis (136 games)
The Tools: 6+ hit; 5 power; 6+ arm; 5 field
What Happened in 2014: The former first rounder continued his steady rise through the system, putting together a solid showing in the Pacific Coast League while displaying the advanced feel for contact that has thus far defined his prospect profile.
Strengths: Advanced hit tool, ability to barrel; good balance; high level of comfort in box; high-contact bat capable of working line to line; patient approach, not afraid to work deep into counts; will flash loft and pop, particularly against oppo arms; improved actions in outfield; athleticism, work ethic, and progress thus far allows to project glove to average or tick above; easy right-field arm; glowing reports on effort put in and progress made on defensive front.
Weaknesses: Over-the-fence pop yet to manifest with regularity; power profile could be doubles dependent with added import to hit tool/on-base; lacks impact bat speed; continued ability to barrel balls against top-tier arms will hinge on approach and ability to make adjustments; susceptible to lapses in the field; limited foot speed will make further refinement of reads and routes in the field a necessity.
Overall Future Potential: 6; first-division player
Realistic Role: High 5; above-average regular
Risk Factor/Injury History: Low; success through all minor-league levels; advanced feel and approach.
Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The Cardinals seem to have a never-ending supply of prospects who hit first and do everything else second, and Piscotty fits right in. He’s a stronger play in points and OBP leagues than standard 5x5 formats, due to the potential for strong plate discipline and extra-base potential, but he is ready to contribute in 2015 across most leagues and could hit .290 with 15 homers in time.
The Year Ahead: Regular hard contact is a fixture in Piscotty’s game, though his ability to rack up extra bases, be it by home run or double, will determine whether he reaches his upside as a true first-division right fielder. There is no question the former Stanford Cardinal has the raw strength to drive the ball, and his power will have to be strength and leverage derived since the bat speed isn’t special. That places an increased level of importance on Piscotty’s ability to continue to refine his approach and learn which situations allow for some added length and leverage in the swing. Based on his feel for the craft and the professional manner in which he already puts together at-bats, it would not be a surprise to see him make the requisite adjustments in short order as he finishes baking in St. Louis. The addition of Jason Heyward fills the void in right field left by the tragic loss of Oscar Taveras. Prior to Heyward’s arrival, Piscotty had progressed enough on defense to put himself into the discussion for the Opening Day gig in right field, and has the chops to take hold of the job if the former Brave departs via free agency after 2015.
Major league ETA: 2015