It's time to decide the fate of the Cardinals' future stars! But here's the catch: we're missing some key players. With no Brendan Donovan, JoJo Romero, or Nolan Arenado trades in sight, the prospect pool is already looking different. And let's be real, Nolan Arenado probably won't fetch a top 20 prospect, so his absence might not matter much.
But wait, there's more! The absence of a Donovan trade is intriguing. If he's not traded by the end of January, it's likely not happening at all. So, should we consider him in our top prospects list? That's a question for the experts.
Now, let's dive into the voting process. We're starting with just five names, and here's why: it's a strategic move to keep the initial vote manageable, as only a few prospects have a realistic shot at the #1 spot. Gradually introducing more players keeps the excitement going, and we don't want to overwhelm you with too many options right away.
In the past, I've included anyone in the top 100 prospects by any site. But this time, I've made some unconventional choices. The Cardinals have more than five prospects in the top 100, and I've selected three catchers for this initial vote. Why? Because all three are potentially interchangeable, and I want to avoid showing my personal bias.
I'm using last year's list as a guide, considering each player's stock rise or fall. This helps me decide when to add them to the list, ensuring I don't wait too long. Two players from last year's top 5 are missing, but there's a reason for that. Quinn Mathews and Tink Hence are not included, as their stock hasn't risen, and they don't have a realistic chance at the top spot.
Brandon Clarke, an unknown player, is also not on the list. I don't see him as a #1 prospect contender, so there's no risk in leaving him out. Instead, I've included all three catchers, as they would likely be voted in by the 2nd round anyway.
On Thursday, two more players will be added, and you can guess who they might be. This year, voting is via Google Forms, but there's a twist: you won't see the current leader. This adds an element of surprise, but also limits discussion. So, get ready to vote, and let's see who emerges as the Cardinals' top prospect!
