Which was more surprising in St. Louis during the 2006 season, that a team with 83 wins would be the one to win the Cardinals' first World Series title since 1982 or that there were some big contributors from the farm system in that improbable postseason run?
St. Louis has been a perennial playoff contender for years, largely by trading away what prospects it had and by playing the free agent market. That was still the case in 2006, but those efforts were bolstered by players coming up from the Cards' system.
Usually, stories about homegrown players start and end with Albert Pujols. Not so this year.
Homegrown catcher Yadier Molina hit .358 in the postseason, including a pair of homers to finish off the Mets in the National League Championship Series. Cardinals draftee Anthony Reyes stepped up and pitched a gem in Game 1 of the World Series on extended rest. Adam Wainwright (OK, he's not officially homegrown, but was acquired as a Minor Leaguer, so we'll count him) turned into an unstoppable postseason closer after a solid season in the bullpen. Chris Duncan hit 22 homers in only 280 at-bats in his rookie season. And Tyler Johnson became an invaluable lefty specialist out of the bullpen.
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Cards eye more 'Minor' contributions
Cards eye more 'Minor' contributions
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