Player: OF Colby Rasmus

Offense: B

When I think about Rasmus' potential as a hitter I think of two words - Grady Sizemore. They have the same kind of varied skill set, the same dirt-dog attitude (that's a good thing) and the same desire to succeed. There is no reason why Rasmus can't be that good.

Rasmus can hit for average and power plus I think he has the ability to continue developing more and more patience as he goes. Last year's walk total (70) is good but I think he can be a 90-100 walk guy in a few years. In the meantime I see him hitting for a good average right away with power that will be above average initially and eventually develop into 30 home run power when he reaches his mid to late 20's.

Oh yeah, he can run too. No reason he can't be a 20-20 or 25-25 guy in the Majors right away. That letter grade of "B" is what I think he could be right now - he has the potential to be an "A" down the road.

'08 Projected: .270, 21 HR, 70 RBI, 24 SB, .340 OBP, .480 SLG (if he makes the team and plays full-time)

Defense: B+

The guy has great instincts, he can run and he can throw.

Sounds good to me.

Rasmus can play all three outfield positions but right now profiles as the best CF in the organization. He's a smooth, natural outfielder who does it all well. Rick Ankiel has similar raw physical tools but doesn't have the feel for the outfield that Rasmus has. It's a bit cliche to refer to Rasmus as a "natural" but that's what he is.

Overall: B

Again, the "B" grade is for right now - he's a future "A" grade. As a rookie Rasmus would surely go through slumps, some of them probably prolonged, but he'll adjust and get better if he gets the opportunity. I know the team doesn't want to rush him but I also believe that he's the best option the team has in CF and for the leadoff spot.

This is the kind of player you make room for.

Kevin Wheeler's "Scouting the Cards" will appear exclusively on KMOX.com beginning Jan. 29, 2008 and going all the way up to Opening Day. "Scouting the Cards" will be an extensive preview of the 2008 St. Louis Cardinals team that begins with reports on individual players and what can be expected from them this season and it will culminate in a season-preview during the final week of Spring Training. Be sure to check back often - sometimes reports will come every day! Letter grades are the same as back in school, A+ is the best and F is the worst.