Cardinals Recall Jimmy Crooks, Select Nelson Velázquez in Roster Shakeup

The Cardinal Chronicle
Cardinals Recall Jimmy Crooks, Select Nelson Velázquez in Roster Shakeup
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur

The Cardinals made a notable roster adjustment ahead of their weekend series against the Chicago Cubs, recalling catcher Jimmy Crooks from Triple-A Memphis and selecting the contract of outfielder Nelson Velázquez.

To make room, infielder César Prieto and catcher Yohel Pozo were optioned to Memphis.

The move brings Crooks back into the major league picture at a time when the Cardinals could use more production and balance from the catching position. Crooks has long been one of the more polished bats in the organization’s upper levels, and his return gives St. Louis another left-handed option behind the plate.

It also gives the Cardinals a chance to take another look at a catcher who may be part of the club’s longer-term answer. With Pedro Pagés already on the roster, Crooks gives St. Louis a different offensive look and potentially more matchup flexibility.

Velázquez adds another right-handed power bat to the outfield mix. His game has always carried swing-and-miss concerns, but the power is real, and for a Cardinals club searching for more thump, that matters. This is a clear attempt to inject life into a lineup that has gone quiet at the wrong time.

Prieto’s option is the corresponding cost of the shuffle. He has shown flashes, but roster construction and immediate needs pushed the Cardinals in another direction. Pozo, meanwhile, returns to Memphis as the Cardinals turn the page behind the plate and give Crooks the next opportunity.

This is not a blockbuster move, but it is the kind of roster adjustment that says something. The Cardinals are trying to find a spark. Crooks represents the future pushing toward the present. Velázquez represents immediate power upside. Together, they give the club a different look heading into an important stretch.

For Crooks, the opportunity is simple: take the at-bats, handle the staff, and show he belongs.

For the Cardinals, the message is just as clear.

The kids are not waiting forever.

The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports
Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, and Projecting the Future.

Check out The Cardinal Chronicle for more St. Louis Cardinals coverage, daily farm reports, prospect updates and old-school baseball commentary:
www.cardinalchronicle.com

Photo Credit: Springfield Daily