Baseball season has finally arrived! In Jupiter the Cardinals’ pitchers and catchers reported to camp on Wednesday and held their first official workout on Thursday.
At Sports Hot Corner it’s time for Cardinal Blogger of the Week. The honor this week goes to the Cardinals Best News Links site.
The site is operated by Josh Jones, better known to the Cardinal community as Jrocke217. Josh posts daily links to all the major and minor league Cardinal news on the web. For anyone who wants to be in the know, the Cardinals Best News Links is where to start the day.
For Christmas 2006 Josh received his first home computer. Once online, he became a daily poster at the Cardinals ESPN boards, and as time went by, he joined various other message boards (Huzzah Refugee, MLB Cardinals, etc.)
After following sites such as MLB Trade Rumors and Rotoworld, Josh decided during the 2006-07 seasons to run with the same concept and post all current or former Cardinals news-related items on Cardinal message boards. He figured readers would be happy to see Cardinal news in one spot. So instead of multiple threads to stories on a message board, Josh captured all in one thread, giving the boards a much cleaner look.
During the fall of 2007, he became interested in following the baseball winter leagues. But just being interested was not enough.
He branched out and began working with Brian Walton at The Birdhouse (now The Cardinal Nation ) to provide daily posts on current and former Cardinals playing in the various winter leagues. This opened up a new chapter in baseball coverage for Cardinal fans, many who previously had paid little attention to off-season baseball due to the football, basketball and hockey seasons.
In the fall of 2008, Josh moved on to bigger things and chose to open his own site for all to view. Cardinals Best News Links has since become an underground favorite for Cardinal fans. There they find blurbs and links to articles that do not pop up in the mainstream media.
In addition to the normal MLB and minor league Cardinal news coverage, Josh covers winter league baseball, the Cardinals' VSL and DSL teams (during the summer), and prepares a Cardinals Minor League Notebook (on a daily basis during the season), which is now featured on The Cardinal Nation site. Josh was also a one-time member of the United Cardinal Blogger group ( UCB ), and in December 2009 he joined the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).
Some Personal Highlights: interviewing Luke Gorsett, breaking the news on signing Jem Argenal, interviewing Mark Hamilton, and helping Tony LaRussa's charity.
**************************************************************
Q&A Time with Josh:
- Reason(s) for starting up the Cardinals Best News Links site?
The Cardinals have always been my number one team. I wanted to be involved with the St. Louis Cardinals news on the internet in some capacity. Help get more information out there for others to read, maybe even help out with promoting various other blogs that don't get many readers.
- On an average daily basis, how long does it take you to update your site?
This all depends on the seasons. During the regular season, I can spend a couple hours in the morning. When I get off work I can be working until 4 am. Maybe on average 6-8 hours. In the off-season I'm looking at a couple hours during the day and at night. I try to cut myself off to catch up on sleep during the winter. There's hundreds of sites I have to visit, not an easy thing.
- How did you settle on the Jrocke217 handle?
J-Rock was a nickname given to me by people I hung out with during my teen years. To be different from other J-Rock's, I added on an 'e'. The 'e' is silent, just something different and it sticks out. 217 is my area code – I wanted to show where I was from.
- Pitchers and catchers reported to camp on Wednesday – have you ever made the trip down to Jupiter for a spring training visit? If so, any tips for first time visitors?
I wish I could, but I have not. I work a full-time job and raise my son. Vacation time is limited for a couple more years. I do plan on it one of these years.
- How long have you followed the Cards?
Since day one. The St. Louis Cardinals runs through my family tree pretty thick.
- Favorite all-time Cardinal player?
Ozzie Smith but I have to say I was the biggest Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco fan growing up. Albert Pujols is up there also.
- Where will the Cards finish this year?
First place. I'm thinking World Series Champs. If not, I will be very disappointed. The pieces are there to keep the Phillies from a three-peat.
- Who will be the Cards 5th starter in 2010?
I don't think Kyle McClellan will be a starter. He'll most likely end up in a Brad Thompson-type role. Jaime Garcia and Rich Hill look to be the clear favorites right now. Garcia would be my choice, but I would like to see what Hill has before I jump on any bandwagons right now.
- Your picks for the Cardinals bench for 2010?
Jason LaRue, Julio Lugo, Joe Mather, Tyler Greene
- Who will be the first call up this season?
Nick Stavinoha
- Matt Holliday – would he be better off batting in the #3 hole in front of Albert Pujols?
I like him right where he is, behind Albert Pujols.
- Who do you see as the future closer of the Cardinals?
I'm a big fan of Eduardo Sanchez. I have watched him come up through the system and he has done a fabulous job as a closer.
- Your Top 10 Cardinal Prospects?
Jaime Garcia, Shelby Miller, Lance Lynn, David Freese, Daryl Jones, Eduardo Sanchez, Allen Craig, Blake Hawksworth, Jon Jay, Tyler Greene. No particular order.
- Winter ball – what players improved their standing within the organization?
Jon Jay was a stallion in Venezuela. He went down there and played like he was a veteran of the league. In the last three years of following the Venezuelan League, only Rico Washington and Luke Gregerson have played that well. He put himself in a good position to get consideration for the Cardinals major league outfield. In Colombia, the Cardinals had Donovan Solano, Mark Shorey, Adron Chambers, and Chris Swauger. All four tore up the league. Shorey, Chambers, and Swauger are all names to keep an eye on during the 2010 season.
-You have become pretty knowledgeable about the Cardinals VSL/DSL minor league clubs – are there any players we should keep an eye out for in the future?
VSL: Deimer Bier, Moises Colorado, Hector Corpas, Fermin Montanez, Carlos Oraa, Dail Villanueva, Gerwuins Velazco, Hector Garcia, Hildemaro Vargas, Jem Argenal, and Anthony Fonseca.
DSL: Charllan Jimenez, Stalyn Lopez, Willy Paulino, Yorbel Alcala, Grabiel Hernandez, Jose Pena, and Oscar Taveras.
- A couple of young kids that I follow – Hector Cardenas, Javier Avendano & Gabby Hernandez. Most Cardinal fans have not heard of them yet. Any thoughts on their futures?
I can't say much on Hector Cardenas because I really haven't followed his career as closely as some others. Javier Avendano is very high on my list of pitchers that could turn into something to talk about in a year or so. Avendano could follow the same path as Richard Castillo. Grabiel Hernandez will be a guy to watch at GCL in 2010. Hernandez probably should of started there in 2009, but I think there was some concern about his bat. He has proved he can hit and he can run.
- In the minors, who do you think could have “break-out” years?
I'm going to put a lot of stock in the big return of Jose Martinez. I hope the time off he had helped him clear things up and he comes back ready to take over the middle infield for the organization. Chuckie Fick is another guy that doesn't get much talk.
- Memphis captured the PCL crown in 2009. Any predictions on which Cardinal minor league team could capture its league crown in 2010?
I like the chances of Memphis pulling it off again. There probably won't be any drastic changes in their roster and have a good incoming group to fill-in for those leaving.
- Any future projects in the works at the Cardinals Best News Links?
Nothing right now. Enjoying the small break from winter leagues and getting ready for the season.
*******************************************************************************
I’d like to thank Josh for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions and to congratulate him on becoming our Sports Hot Corner “Blogger of the Week.”
Check back every Friday to see which blogger is featured. Hopefully, you’ll make a connection with one or more of the men/women who write about Cardinal baseball.
If you want to nominate a “Blogger of the Week,” please submit your choice to BleacherBum593, ArRedbird or Tulcard via a PM on the Sports Hot Corner site or send an email to BleacherBum593@aol.com.
At Sports Hot Corner it’s time for Cardinal Blogger of the Week. The honor this week goes to the Cardinals Best News Links site.
The site is operated by Josh Jones, better known to the Cardinal community as Jrocke217. Josh posts daily links to all the major and minor league Cardinal news on the web. For anyone who wants to be in the know, the Cardinals Best News Links is where to start the day.
For Christmas 2006 Josh received his first home computer. Once online, he became a daily poster at the Cardinals ESPN boards, and as time went by, he joined various other message boards (Huzzah Refugee, MLB Cardinals, etc.)
After following sites such as MLB Trade Rumors and Rotoworld, Josh decided during the 2006-07 seasons to run with the same concept and post all current or former Cardinals news-related items on Cardinal message boards. He figured readers would be happy to see Cardinal news in one spot. So instead of multiple threads to stories on a message board, Josh captured all in one thread, giving the boards a much cleaner look.
During the fall of 2007, he became interested in following the baseball winter leagues. But just being interested was not enough.
He branched out and began working with Brian Walton at The Birdhouse (now The Cardinal Nation ) to provide daily posts on current and former Cardinals playing in the various winter leagues. This opened up a new chapter in baseball coverage for Cardinal fans, many who previously had paid little attention to off-season baseball due to the football, basketball and hockey seasons.
In the fall of 2008, Josh moved on to bigger things and chose to open his own site for all to view. Cardinals Best News Links has since become an underground favorite for Cardinal fans. There they find blurbs and links to articles that do not pop up in the mainstream media.
In addition to the normal MLB and minor league Cardinal news coverage, Josh covers winter league baseball, the Cardinals' VSL and DSL teams (during the summer), and prepares a Cardinals Minor League Notebook (on a daily basis during the season), which is now featured on The Cardinal Nation site. Josh was also a one-time member of the United Cardinal Blogger group ( UCB ), and in December 2009 he joined the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).
Some Personal Highlights: interviewing Luke Gorsett, breaking the news on signing Jem Argenal, interviewing Mark Hamilton, and helping Tony LaRussa's charity.
**************************************************************
Q&A Time with Josh:
- Reason(s) for starting up the Cardinals Best News Links site?
The Cardinals have always been my number one team. I wanted to be involved with the St. Louis Cardinals news on the internet in some capacity. Help get more information out there for others to read, maybe even help out with promoting various other blogs that don't get many readers.
- On an average daily basis, how long does it take you to update your site?
This all depends on the seasons. During the regular season, I can spend a couple hours in the morning. When I get off work I can be working until 4 am. Maybe on average 6-8 hours. In the off-season I'm looking at a couple hours during the day and at night. I try to cut myself off to catch up on sleep during the winter. There's hundreds of sites I have to visit, not an easy thing.
- How did you settle on the Jrocke217 handle?
J-Rock was a nickname given to me by people I hung out with during my teen years. To be different from other J-Rock's, I added on an 'e'. The 'e' is silent, just something different and it sticks out. 217 is my area code – I wanted to show where I was from.
- Pitchers and catchers reported to camp on Wednesday – have you ever made the trip down to Jupiter for a spring training visit? If so, any tips for first time visitors?
I wish I could, but I have not. I work a full-time job and raise my son. Vacation time is limited for a couple more years. I do plan on it one of these years.
- How long have you followed the Cards?
Since day one. The St. Louis Cardinals runs through my family tree pretty thick.
- Favorite all-time Cardinal player?
Ozzie Smith but I have to say I was the biggest Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco fan growing up. Albert Pujols is up there also.
- Where will the Cards finish this year?
First place. I'm thinking World Series Champs. If not, I will be very disappointed. The pieces are there to keep the Phillies from a three-peat.
- Who will be the Cards 5th starter in 2010?
I don't think Kyle McClellan will be a starter. He'll most likely end up in a Brad Thompson-type role. Jaime Garcia and Rich Hill look to be the clear favorites right now. Garcia would be my choice, but I would like to see what Hill has before I jump on any bandwagons right now.
- Your picks for the Cardinals bench for 2010?
Jason LaRue, Julio Lugo, Joe Mather, Tyler Greene
- Who will be the first call up this season?
Nick Stavinoha
- Matt Holliday – would he be better off batting in the #3 hole in front of Albert Pujols?
I like him right where he is, behind Albert Pujols.
- Who do you see as the future closer of the Cardinals?
I'm a big fan of Eduardo Sanchez. I have watched him come up through the system and he has done a fabulous job as a closer.
- Your Top 10 Cardinal Prospects?
Jaime Garcia, Shelby Miller, Lance Lynn, David Freese, Daryl Jones, Eduardo Sanchez, Allen Craig, Blake Hawksworth, Jon Jay, Tyler Greene. No particular order.
- Winter ball – what players improved their standing within the organization?
Jon Jay was a stallion in Venezuela. He went down there and played like he was a veteran of the league. In the last three years of following the Venezuelan League, only Rico Washington and Luke Gregerson have played that well. He put himself in a good position to get consideration for the Cardinals major league outfield. In Colombia, the Cardinals had Donovan Solano, Mark Shorey, Adron Chambers, and Chris Swauger. All four tore up the league. Shorey, Chambers, and Swauger are all names to keep an eye on during the 2010 season.
-You have become pretty knowledgeable about the Cardinals VSL/DSL minor league clubs – are there any players we should keep an eye out for in the future?
VSL: Deimer Bier, Moises Colorado, Hector Corpas, Fermin Montanez, Carlos Oraa, Dail Villanueva, Gerwuins Velazco, Hector Garcia, Hildemaro Vargas, Jem Argenal, and Anthony Fonseca.
DSL: Charllan Jimenez, Stalyn Lopez, Willy Paulino, Yorbel Alcala, Grabiel Hernandez, Jose Pena, and Oscar Taveras.
- A couple of young kids that I follow – Hector Cardenas, Javier Avendano & Gabby Hernandez. Most Cardinal fans have not heard of them yet. Any thoughts on their futures?
I can't say much on Hector Cardenas because I really haven't followed his career as closely as some others. Javier Avendano is very high on my list of pitchers that could turn into something to talk about in a year or so. Avendano could follow the same path as Richard Castillo. Grabiel Hernandez will be a guy to watch at GCL in 2010. Hernandez probably should of started there in 2009, but I think there was some concern about his bat. He has proved he can hit and he can run.
- In the minors, who do you think could have “break-out” years?
I'm going to put a lot of stock in the big return of Jose Martinez. I hope the time off he had helped him clear things up and he comes back ready to take over the middle infield for the organization. Chuckie Fick is another guy that doesn't get much talk.
- Memphis captured the PCL crown in 2009. Any predictions on which Cardinal minor league team could capture its league crown in 2010?
I like the chances of Memphis pulling it off again. There probably won't be any drastic changes in their roster and have a good incoming group to fill-in for those leaving.
- Any future projects in the works at the Cardinals Best News Links?
Nothing right now. Enjoying the small break from winter leagues and getting ready for the season.
*******************************************************************************
I’d like to thank Josh for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions and to congratulate him on becoming our Sports Hot Corner “Blogger of the Week.”
Check back every Friday to see which blogger is featured. Hopefully, you’ll make a connection with one or more of the men/women who write about Cardinal baseball.
If you want to nominate a “Blogger of the Week,” please submit your choice to BleacherBum593, ArRedbird or Tulcard via a PM on the Sports Hot Corner site or send an email to BleacherBum593@aol.com.
