Journell eager to make a name for himself in team's rotation

He was voted the top minor-league pitcher in the Cardinals farm system in 2001. His name has been featured in prospect lists in the Sporting News and Baseball Weekly.

Even with all of the accolades, Jimmy Journell could be the least known among current and former Cardinals on the Cardinals Caravan. Friday's stop at the Osage Community Centre gave more than 500 area fans the chance to know the Cardinals' top prospect a little better.

"I just heard about him about a week ago," said Robert Burton, a Cardinals fan from Oran, Mo.

Journell pitched collegiately at the University of Illinois, where he was used primarily as a closer. After several arm injuries, Journell has made his way to the top of the Cardinals farm system.

Journell said he hopes to stay healthy and work his way into the Cardinals starting rotation.

"That's my No. 1 goal," he said. "To come into spring training and compete for a rotation spot."

But to make his way into the rotation, Journell will have to steer clear of arm trouble, something that hindered him last season. When healthy last season, Journell put up a 3.68 earned-run average at Triple A Memphis and a 2.70 ERA at Double A New Haven.

"My second goal is just to stay healthy," Journell said.

As one of the top prospects in the Cardinals farm system, he faces plenty of expectations. But Journell said he doesn't feel any more pressure than any other player fighting for a position in spring training.

"There's pressure on every player in baseball," he said.

Being listed in prospect lists in magazines is nice, but being listed as a prospect is something that Journell would like to end.

"I'd rather be a major-league ball player," Journell said.

While Journell has not pitched a single inning in the major leagues, the Cardinals thought enough of him to exclude him from any trade talks last season.

Journell said having his name pop up in trade talks was flattering, but he's excited to be staying with the Cardinals.

"It gave me confidence knowing other teams wanted me," he said. "That just showed me they're going to see me as a contributor in the future."

John Rice, a Cardinals fan from Cape Girardeau, said Journell could be a big help to the Cardinals' staff this year.

"He'll bring depth to the bullpen," Rice said. "So if one of the starters goes down he can come in."

Even if Journell doesn't hit the majors at the beginning of the season, with a fastball in the mid-90s, it's not likely he'll stay in the minors for long.

Rice said getting to see top prospects like Journell on Friday -- or Rick Ankiel and Chad Hutchinson in past Cardinals Caravan stops -- is one of the best parts of the team's preseason, meet-and-greet tour.

"It's kind of cool when they come to your hometown," he said. "You just never know who you're going to see at some of these things."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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