Colby Rasmus

2013

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2012

Rasmus didn't fare any better after coming over to the Jays (.173 average, .517 OPS and an ugly 5:39 BB:K mark in 140 plate appearances) in a midseason trade as he struggled in a new league and with a nagging wrist injury. A .225/.298/.391 season between St. Louis and Toronto just isn't going to cut it and there were some rumors in the offseason that Toronto wasn't against trading Rasmus. The team doesn't have many other options in center field so he'll be given every chance to hold down the position on an everyday basis, but he'll need to put the struggles of a year ago behind him quickly. There's still a moderate power/speed combination to be had here so perhaps this is the year it bears fruit.

2011

Rasmus and manager Tony La Russa have had their differences and it's been played out in the media, but there's no doubt that he's a budding star. Although he's just 24 and should take a step up in 2011, there are a few warning signs. Rasmus hit a respectable .276 last year, but his BABIP was a bloated .358. He also struck out 148 times in just 464 at-bats. It wouldn't be a surprise to see his batting average plummet this year, even as his power numbers continue to improve. However, if his contact rate improves, there's reason to believe that Rasmus' numbers will be even better across the board this season.

2010

With the Cardinals clearing some of the crowd in the outfield, Rasmus heads into 2010 without any competition for the center-field job. He struggled a bit during his rookie year, hitting just .251 and stealing only three bases, but his 16 home runs were good for third on the team. He's still just 23, so he should improve soon. Buy him low while you still can.

2009

Rasmus is still the top prospect in the St. Louis organization, but his star faded a bit in 2008 as he suffered through an injury-filled campaign. Eleven home runs and 15 stolen bases in just 331 at-bats for Triple-A Memphis is nothing to sneeze at, but some were expecting Rasmus to win everyday center-fielder job for the Cards last year. Although he mastered Double-A in 2007, he might need a little more time with Memphis before he comes up the majors for good.

2008

As the top prospect in the St. Louis system, Rasmus did not disappoint in 2007, combining good power and speed with the ability to draw walks. He spent the whole season with Double-A Springfield, and although he’s just 21, he has little left to prove in the minors. The Cardinals have plenty of outfield depth, but Rasmus is the jewel of the organization. He could be an every day player in St. Louis as early as this season.

2007

Rasmus stole 28 bases and added 16 homers in two stops in the minors last season. The top offensive prospect in the Cardinals’ system, Rasmus made up for a .253 batting average in the Florida State League with good plate discipline, walking 27 times in 53 games after his promotion. Rasmus is just 20, but the Cardinals see him as a valuable contributor within a few years. His power-speed combination make him a nice player to go after in keeper leagues.

2006

The Cardinals' 2005 first-rounder hit the ground running in his professional debut with a balance of average, power and speed. Only 19 years old, Rasmus is a five-tool outfielder and immediately becomes the most promising outfield prospect in the lower levels of the Cardinals' depleted system. He should start the year in Single-A.