Rasmus enhances label of future star

JUPITER, Fla. -- Colby Rasmus showed the St. Louis Cardinals he's ready, whenever they're ready for him.

The jewel of the organization's farm system will begin the season as the starting center fielder at Class AAA Memphis after being reassigned to the minor league camp Monday. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa gave the 21-year-old Rasmus and the other handful of prospects whose dreams were deferred a day off Tuesday to adjust to the new reality.

That was the only day off this spring for the major leaguers, although it was business as usual at the minor league camp.

Rasmus, considered the heir apparent to Jim Edmonds in center field since shortly after he was taken in the first round of the 2005 draft out of high school, anticipated the move several hours before getting the news. He's never played above the Class AA level.

"I felt like I've done pretty good this spring, taken good at-bats, and played well in the field," Rasmus said. "I haven't been throwing away at-bats, so I'm pretty satisfied.

"And I've still got a lot of time."

Rick Ankiel, the converted pitcher who's blossomed in his second career as a power-hitting outfielder, will be the opening day starter in center. He's had an impressive spring with three homers, seven RBIs and a .362 average along with strong defense and, of course, a rifle arm.

Rasmus has made big strides in his second major league camp, feeling more of a sense of belonging. He's had his glitches just like any other player sharpening his skills, but has made his mark as a patient, selective hitter, batting .273 with a team-leading 12 walks, three stolen bases and an impressive .467 on-base percentage.

"It was a huge difference," he said. "Last year I couldn't get as comfortable as I wanted, but this year I had a great time hanging out with all the older guys."

The expectations were higher, too.

"This year was more pressure-packed and last year was kind of a feel thing," he said. "I guess last year I was a little more nervous, I should say, and this year I wasn't nervous."

La Russa has been impressed with Rasmus' development, noting that the youngster wouldn't have played so much if he didn't like what he was seeing.

"You can tell he's had a full minor league season, and his game is coming together," La Russa said.

The Cardinals got encouraging signs from others who were sent down in their most significant cuts of the spring. La Russa said it was time to pare the roster and devote innings and at-bats to players most likely to make the team, noting that Rasmus and outfielder Joe Mather's playing time already had been reduced.

"They're best going to Triple-A," La Russa said. "It's good for them, and what's good for them is good for us."

Pitching coach Dave Duncan had rave reviews of right-hander Mike Parisi, the likely ace at Memphis, saying, "He's going to pitch in the big leagues. I don't know when it's going to be, but he's got big league stuff."

Mather belted 31 homers in the minors last year and had six extra-base hits in 38 at-bats, hitting .289 with a .389 on-base percentage.

"He showed a lot of everything," La Russa said. "Defense, baserunning -- he's working himself into being a good player."

Like Rasmus, the 25-year-old Mather had been expecting to start the season in the minors and just wanted to leave an impression.

"It's not always that you get the chance and you take advantage of it," Mather said. "Playing against a Tom Glavine, a John Smoltz, it was awesome. It's a matter of time now."

Mather knew the deck was stacked against him, no matter how he performed.

"That's why you can't put any pressure on yourself," Mather said. "If I go 0-for-70, I'm not going to make the team, but even if I play my game, it's out of my hands."