Future begins with pick No. 19

~ The Cardinals are pleased with their recent draft choices.

ST. LOUIS -- Brett Wallace's presence on the Class AAA Memphis roster is a clear indication the St. Louis Cardinals are happy about last year's first-round draft pick. Four others from last year's class are playing at the Class AA level.

They'll try to stock the pipeline again beginning tonight, holding the 19th overall pick.

"It's the funnest time of the year for all of us," said Jeff Luhnow, the Cardinals' vice president of scouting and player development. "We've got a whole bunch of presents to unwrap, as long as we can get them signed."

The Cardinals have put a much greater emphasis on growing their own in recent seasons, reflected by the fact all but one of the position players in Sunday's lineup came from their farm system and that 13 players have made their major league debut this season.

Cardinals shortstop Brendan Ryan prepares to tag out Rockies baserunner Clint Barmes during the eighth inning Monday in St. Louis. (JEFF ROBERSON ~ Associated Press)

Outfielder Colby Rasmus, a first-rounder in 2005, is playing regularly. Infielder Tyler Greene, also taken in the first round in '05, has impressed in two stints. Relievers Chris Perez, a supplemental first-rounder in '06, and Jason Motte, a 19th-rounder in '03, are potential closers in waiting. Outfielder Nick Stavinoha, a seventh-rounder in '05, is a valuable bench player.

Shortstop Peter Kozma, the first-rounder in '07 out of high school, is at Class AA Springfield.

"If you look at our [Class] AAA and AA teams, the vast majority is made up of players from the last four drafts," Luhnow said. "And a lot of them are playing here now. They're helping this team win and that's ultimately what it's all about."

Wallace's stock has risen rapidly after initial skepticism mostly related to his body, which features a thick lower trunk and an unusual throwing style from third base. After Wallace hit .500 the first week at Class AAA, a clamor began to call him up now to boost a feeble attack with the Cardinals, the lone team in the majors below 100 runs in May.

Wallace's numbers have fallen off to .242 with pitchers making adjustments, but Luhnow predicts he'll finish near .300. He pushes the ball on his throws but it gets there in plenty of time.

"The chatter out there amongst the scouting community is that was a home-run pick," Luhnow said. "People didn't think he was going to be able to play third base and so far he's proven them wrong."

The Cardinals also hope to unearth more gems like 39th-round pick Curt Smith, the Springfield first baseman hitting .333.

"We were filling rosters at that point," Luhnow said. "We liked him and knew he had a good bat, but he's exceeded everybody's expectations.

"You can't get to the 10th round and stop paying attention. You have to bear down."

The Nationals are expected to take pitcher Stephen Strasburg of San Diego State, who has a high 90s fastball, with the first pick overall. Luhnow said there's a group of 15 to 20 players past the first few picks who are all rated pretty much the same.

The one position they're not interested in is first base, where Albert Pujols is signed through 2010 with a club option for 2011. Plus, it's safer to draft a middle infielder or outfielder who might add versatility.

"We typically don't look for first basemen, and we hope that's the case for a long time to come," Luhnow said. "The more options you have, the quicker you can move through the minor leagues."

The Cardinals have rebuilt the farm system to the point where it may be advantageous to dip deeper into the high school pool for longer-range prospects. Luhnow disagrees with manager Tony La Russa's recent assessment that the Cardinals didn't have many bargaining chips in the minors that could be used in trades.

"The fact is, there's more of a menu for clubs to choose from," Luhnow said. "Obviously, it depends on what player we're going after and what they require for that player."