The St. Louis Cardinals have a decision to make: whether to call up Jimmy Crooks, a catcher with a powerful bat and a developing on-base skill set. While some may argue that Crooks is not the 'Strait of Hormuz' of prospects, I believe there's a compelling case for his promotion. In my opinion, the Cardinals should consider calling up Crooks, especially if they remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. This move could tighten up some 'loose bodies' on the roster and give the current team the best chance to succeed. One thing that immediately stands out is Crooks' offensive profile. He's batting an impressive 1.027 OPS and has 13 home runs, with a 98th percentile barrel percentage and high exit velocities. His power is real, and his on-base skills are improving, with a 16% walk rate and a .403 OBP. However, his strikeout rate and whiff percentage are limiting factors, which is where prospects like Rainiel Rodriguez shine. What many people don't realize is that Crooks' strikeout rate has actually improved lately, and his ability to improve on this flaw while still hitting home runs is impressive. Defensively, Crooks is well-regarded, and his ability to call games is praised by the club. While the Cardinals are overstocked on catchers, I propose moving Pages to a backup role and mentoring Crooks, while also considering other options like Ivan Herrera and Yohel Pozo. This move would provide Crooks with additional major league experience and give the team the most resources to contribute to winning. In my view, the Cardinals should take a chance on Crooks and see what he can do in the big leagues. This plan leverages the positive attributes of current players and gives the team the best chance to win as many games as possible. Personally, I think the Cardinals should call up Jimmy Crooks and see what he can do. This move could be a game-changer for the team and a refreshing change of pace. What do you think?
