The Walton Interviews

Featured Interviews

Interview with Cardinal Outfielder Colin Porter

by Brian Walton

Colin Porter became a Cardinal on January 22, when the team claimed him on waivers. The Houston Astros let the 28-year-old lefthander go to make room for former Cards outfielder Orlando Palmeiro. Porter had his first taste of the majors last season, getting 32 at-bats with the Astros in several stints with the team. He finished sixth in the Pacific Coast League in batting average at .360.

Porter began his pro career as a 17th round pick in 1998 after a successful career at the University of Arizona. He is a career .280 hitter and has had three seasons of more than 20 stolen bases, including the last two. As Jason Simontacchi was sent down on April 20, Porter joined the Cardinals after hitting .368 in his first 12 games with Memphis. [more]

Interview with Cardinal Prospect Tyler Johnson

By Brian Walton

My previous interview was the Cardinals #1 pick in 2000, Shaun Boyd. At the other end of the hype meter spectrum was Tyler Johnson. Johnson was drafted by the Cardinals way out in the 34th round of that same 2000 draft from Moorpark Junior College in California. [more]

Interview with Cardinal Minor League Coach, Ron Warner

By Brian Walton

Ron Warner, the Cardinals coach assigned to the Grand Canyon Rafters of the Arizona Fall League in 2003, was kind enough to spend some time with me in Arizona recently. Ron shared his views on a variety of topics ranging from what is was like to move from player to coach, to his experience as a member of the 2000 Cardinals staff, to a look into his work as a minor league coach, as well as his view of some of the top prospects in the Cardinal system. Based on his assignments to date, the 34 year-old Warner is clearly an up-and-comer who has a lot to offer to the organization, and has the potential to go a long way in the coaching ranks. [more}

Interview with Cardinal 2000 First Round Draft Pick,

Shaun Boyd

By Brian Walton

Shaun Boyd was selected by the Redbirds in the first round of the 2000 draft, 13th overall. The 5'-10", 175 pound right-hander was born in Corona, California and grew up in Oceanside, along the coast between Los Angeles and San Diego. Though Boyd was a shortstop in high school, the Cardinals immediately moved him to the outfield for his rookie season with Johnson City in the Appalachian League. Then, in the instructional league that fall, Boyd was moved to second base. [more]

Interview with Cardinal Prospect Skip Schumaker

by Brian Walton

23-year-old Skip Schumaker was the fifth round selection of the Cardinals in the 2001 draft from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Schumaker appeared in 91 games at Tennessee (AA) this season, hitting .251 with two home runs and 22 RBIs. The 5'-10" centerfielder had a .330 OBP and collected 25 extra-base hits in his 342 at-bats. He also was 6-for-12 in stolen base attempts. Schumaker then went on the disabled list in early August with a leg injury. [more]

Interview with Cardinal Minor Leaguer Brad Thompson

By Brian Walton

With the Arizona Fall League injury to Josh Kinney, right-hander Brad Thompson got the late call to join the Grand Canyon Rafters. Even though he was pitching against much more experienced competition, typically AA players and above, the 21-year-old Thompson did not disappoint. In his 11-1/3 innings pitched, he struck out six, walked just two and allowed only two earned runs. With just four more innings pitched, Thompson's 1.59 ERA would have qualified as second lowest in the entire AFL. He picked up one save and held AFL hitters to a collective .200 batting average. [more]

Outsiders View of the Cardinal Minor League System

By Brian Walton

It is easy to continue to harp on the Cardinals minor league organization, based on both team results and prospect status. While we will continue to focus on those players who stand out, I thought it would be interesting to see what others have to say about the overall situation. Granted, changes are underfoot to improve the Redbirds' system, which can only be positive. However, there is a long way to go. I recently had the opportunity to capture the thoughts of Brent Strom and David Rawnsley on the state of the Cardinal minor league organization. [more]