Arch Authority
Fansided

Ranking the Most Productive Cardinals Prospects at Each Position in 2016

By Patrick Karraker

Mar 11, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Magneuris Sierra (98) connects for the go ahead rbi base hit in the bottom of the 8th inning against the Atlanta Braves during the game at Roger Dean StadiumThe Cardinals defeated the Braves 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Magneuris Sierra (98) connects for the go ahead rbi base hit in the bottom of the 8th inning against the Atlanta Braves during the game at Roger Dean StadiumThe Cardinals defeated the Braves 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /
twitterfacebookreddit
Prev
4 of 12
Next

2B Eliezer Alvarez

Eliezer Alvarez was no higher than sixth or seventh on the list of the Cardinals’ most treasured middle infield prospects entering the season, and since they’ve now added guys like Delvin Perez and Randy Arozarena, he might actually be even lower on the totem pole. For the second straight season, though, Alvarez has done everything in his power to wedge his name into consideration for a future big-league role, and he’s been as good as the Cardinals could possibly hope for him to be in his full-season debut at Low-A Peoria.

In 449 plate appearances, Alvarez has a .315/.400/.455 slash line with a total of 39 extra-base hits, including five home runs and a team-best five triples. The lefty hitter has shown impressive discipline at the plate considering his relative inexperience, and he’s also made an impact on the basepaths, swiping a team-best 31 bags.

His 25 errors at second base are concerning, but there are signs that he does have some skill at the position (i.e. the 56 double plays that he’s helped turn this year), and the Cardinals have shown with guys like Aledmys Diaz and Matt Carpenter that if the bat is there, they’ll be given all the time necessary to grow into their defensive positions. It will be interesting to see if Alvarez tops big-bonus names such as Edmundo Sosa and Oscar Mercado on the prospect lists this winter.

Next: Shortstop

Home/St. Louis Cardinals