St. Louis Cardinals hurler Jordan Hicks making most of second chance
St. Louis Cardinals prospect Jordan Hicks is making the most of his second chance with the Redbirds.
After getting the boot early on in Spring training, Jordan Hicks — the No. 6 rated rookie eligible prospect accord to the Call to the Pen rankings for the St. Louis Cardinals — is making the most of another opportunity with the big league squad. Wednesday, Hicks tossed 2 2/3 stellar innings — striking out four in the process, mainly due to his blazing fastball.
Hicks boasts the most electric arm within the Cardinals farm system, clocking in as high as 102 MPH during Minor League camp. Recently, he’s added command and control — mixing in more of his offspeed repetiteur. He’s no doubt improving on his 10 percent walk rate, which has gotten him into trouble in times past.
Thus far, in 22 appearances (105 innings pitched) in low A and A-ball, Hicks has collected an 8-3 record with a 2.74 ERA, with 95 K’s and 45 walks. With this strong push at the end of Spring training, Hicks may find himself in Springfield, then Memphis sooner than later — one step closer to the big league level.
Hicks isn’t the only St. Louis Cardinals thrower bringing the heat, with fellow prospects Dakota Hudson and Ryan Helsey impressing, too.
H is for Hudson
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) February 21, 2018
H is for Helsley
H is for Hicks
H is for HEAT#STLCards prospects Dakota Hudson, Ryan Helsley & Jordan Hicks (who hit 102 mph) are lighting up radar guns in Florida (and they're going to jump up on the new @Cardinals Top 30 list too): https://t.co/FjwwbpnlaM pic.twitter.com/yr1wvxaGzV
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Even though the Redbirds are known as a top-heavy, low ceiling type farm system by others; I believe they boast one of the broader minor league systems in all of MLB. A vastly underrated group, who need time to grow and mature at the higher levels.
Luke Voit and Harrison Bader may see themselves at the MLB level for good if they continue their trending upward play — with both prospects having an excellent Spring, too. The Cardinals seem to be more relaxed heading into 2018, and their offensive inconsistency appears to be in the rearview mirror.
Pitching is the only question mark, with Alex Reyes sidelined to begin the season — with the team also still looking to fill the void left by Lance Lynn. The Cardinals may have found that very answer; within their minor league chain.
Next: Cardinals need to find a place for Jose Martinez or they’ll pay dearly
If the St. Louis Cardinals can get any help from the likes of Jordan Hicks come September, to go with their potent offense; they may be the sleeper to come out of the National League Central.