St. Louis Cardinals, San Antonio Spurs and curious case of Randal Grichuk
The St. Louis Cardinals are MLB’s version of the San Antonio Spurs. Granted, it’s not an apples to apples comparison, but damn can their consistent production bore (and frustrate) those who follow the National League Central. The Cards have won at least 86 games in each of the last seven seasons, averaging nearly 90 wins per pop since 2008. Speaking of pop, could you imagine a Mike Matheny / Gregg Popovich dual presser following a tough loss?
The Cards' prospect came over in the David Freese-to-the-Angels deal and could be a hidden waiver wire gem / late-round draft flier this season. Grichuk got called up for a 47-game cup o’ coffee at the tail of 2014 and earned a spot on the postseason roster smacking two homers albeit with 13 strikeouts in 35 at bats last October. However, if you look at his three-year splits during his rise through the minor leagues, fans of the Cardinals and fantasy baseball owners have reason to believe.
His 25 homers with 70-plus RBI and runs in one season has only been accomplished by 13 other players since 2010 at the Pacific Coast League level (hitter friendly). Oh, and he racked up those stats in 108 games. Grichuk led the Texas League (AA) with 85 runs in 2013 and was the league’s only 20 HR / 80 R / 60 RBI player.
