Donovan, Nootbaar, Carlson — three young players in the early stages of their careers — have grown, stumbled in their roles and could yet have playoff significance.
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Derrick Goold
What the Cardinals have found in rookie Brendan Donovan to fill an immediate need is just a hint of what they think he can become in the years to come.
One of the highest on-base percentages for a rookie since “Moneyball” published and one of the highest for a Cardinals rookie ever has thrust Donovan to the top of the Cardinals lineup during a division title run. When the Cardinals host an opening-round playoff series in a week, it’s Donovan who is likely to bat first because of an element of his game the Cardinals think can climb even higher.
“This kid already looks comfortable, and he’s been here for two minutes,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “Give him years and it’s — gosh darn, man — the patience at the plate, his approach, all of that is what usually comes (with time). You usually have a skillset and then you have to hone your approach and your plate discipline. He already has those things. Give him a year and what do we do we have? I think you have a really productive, on-base machine.”
The Cardinals return to Busch Stadium for the final home series of the regular season and — as promised by the schedule — they’re a different team. In their 11 days away, the Cardinals clinched the National League Central title, Albert Pujols joined the 700-homer club, and rotation concerns persisted (or surfaced anew). The luxury of a series against Pittsburgh that will not change the standings or their seed into the postseason means they’ll spend time all weekend celebrating their retiring greats, Pujols and Yadier Molina, culminating with an on-field ceremony Sunday before first pitch.
There will be mentions of how in the past two decades these veterans help set standards for the organization as a perennial contender, and in the lineup, there will be examples of how the youth helped this year’s team keep that pace.
It’s as obvious as 1-2-3.
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Brendan Donovan is in my starting lineup everyday , if I was the Cardinals lineup..........And he would be batting lead off or second depending on matchups.........Kid is a hustler , a gamer , who has the ability to play 5-6 positions and works every at bat to the limit...........Should get considerable consideration for ROY ........................................jmho.........
