What Should Be Done With Colby?

One of the big decisions in camp is what should be done with Colby Rasmus? The prospect is worth playing in the majors right now, but is there room to get regular at bats?

If it's decided that he'll stay with the major league team, will he get regular at bats. My guess is no. LaRussa has a man crush on Chris Duncan and will play him against every righty pitcher. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve it; he's had a great spring. But does he really give the team the best option to win? I don't think so. He's got great power, but is a butcher in the outfield. He's also very streaky.

The other factor in the decision is Skip Schumaker. If he makes it as the second baseman, there may not be an issue at first. If he can't make the transition, there's another outfielder that will push Rasmus aside. Skip is the only true leadoff hitter on the roster, so his importance to the team is greater than Duncan's. Is he better than Rasmus? No, but LaRussa won't bat Colby first.

The final factor into the Colby roster decision is Troy Glaus. When Glaus returns to the line up, Mather will be back to a utility man, meaning he'll get more time in the outfield. That's another person that pushes Colby out. Is Joey Bombs better than Rasmus? No, but he's more versatile, so LaRussa will value him more.

I think if Colby says up, he'll get playing time like Brian Barton last year.

Does Colby deserve to start the season in the minors? He's struggled this spring and didn't have great final numbers at Memphis last year. A few Triple A at bats to get going doesn't seem like it would hurt. It would also delay starting his service clock, pushing back arbitration and free agency.

This doesn't mean I don't want to see him in St. Louis; I really do, but not if he's not playing everyday. It's possible it could happen, but not with Tony LaRussa running the team. He's got his guys and he'll play them, even if they don't deserve to play.

Cards Cut 8

The most recent rounds of cuts happened yesterday. Here are the victims:
RHPs Mitchell Boggs, Matt Scherer, Adam Ottavino, Jess Todd, and Clayton Mortensen; LHP Charlie Manning; IF Allen Craig; OF Brian Barton.

Here's the quick round up:

Boggs - He was slowed by a sore shoulder, but I expected him to be around a little longer. He'll still get the opportunity for MLB Spring Games, but he's not being considered for the long relief role (I'm expecting that Thompson has it pretty much sealed; PJ Walters is a long shot at this point).

Scherer - The player responsible for Luis Perdomo being selected in the Rule V draft (OK, it wasn't his fault, but they will be tied together if Perdomo makes the Giants roster). Scherer also battled injuries this spring and wasn't expected to make the roster.

Ottavino - The Team Italy pitcher has had a really good spring, but wasn't ever seriously considered for the team. He was just being evaluated by the MLB staff; he passed with flying colors. I expect him to be in Triple A by the end of the season.

Todd - He was one of the staff gems last spring, and really hasn't done anything to tarnish that. Everyone knows he's not ready (but getting close). He'll be ready in Memphis, with Boggs and Walters, if someone goes down.

Mortensen - Another early injury victim. Mort is right there with Todd; I actually like him more, but realize he needs a little more time.

Manning - He wasn't given much of a shot, especially after the signing of Dennys Reyes. He'll be in Triple A just in case, but I don't expect to see him.

Craig - I've addressed Craig last week. He was on fire but not even considered for third base. It's a shame. Hopefully they find a space for him. He'll be in Triple A.

Barton - He's had a slow spring, at least recently. This isn't very surprising. They are going to get him regular at bats since they now control him. He'll be one of the first ones called upon if there is an injury.

That leaves roughly 36 players in the Major League Camp. DG has a good run down and poll about who is left.