Sunday, September 4, 2016

Future Catcher Carson Kelly Promoted

The St. Louis Cardinals called up catcher Carson Kelly from Triple-A Memphis. Who is Carson Kelly you might ask? Kelly, 22, was drafted by the Cardinals in the 2nd round of the MLB draft in June, 2012. At the time Kelly played third base, coming out of high school. He played third base for his first two minor league seasons, and starting in 2014 he would switch to catcher full-time. Kelly seems like he's figured out catching pretty well too. Last season, Kelly won the 2015 minor leagues Rawlings Gold Glove award for catchers. So since 2014, people have labeled Kelly as the future Cardinals catcher.

While Kelly has good

Kelly may not play in many games this September for the Cardinals, because Yadier Molina is doing well, and his back up Alberto Rosario is doing well too. And the Cardinals also have Brayan Pena. Pena had two knee surgeries, so no one really knows if he'll catch or just pinch hit. Kelly can learn a lot from Yadier Molina, Pena, and manager Mike Matheny (a former catcher) being up and he can work with the pitching staff too.

He has defense, and his power is still developing. This season combined between Springfield and Memphis he's hitting .289, with 6 home runs, and 32 rbi's. Overall in his minor league career, he's a .248 hitter, with 425 hits, 35 home runs, and 202 rbi's.

Will Kelly be on the 2017 Opening Day roster? That could happen.

I'd be excited to be a Cardinals fan, their future looks really bright. Kelly joins top prospects Alex Reyes and Luke Weaver on the Cardinals active roster. Both Reyes and Weaver have shown they can be good.

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