First up for Springfield...the Arkansas Travelers

Springfield's Texas League debut is now hours away, as the Cardinals take on the Arkansas Travelers Thursday night at 7:10 in Little Rock.

The Travs should be a formidable foe. Highlighting the roster is the double-play duo of SS Erick Aybar and 2B Alberto Callaspo. Both were ranked in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim's Top 10 prospects by "Baseball America." Aybar (.340-14-65) No. 3, is said to be the organizations best defensive infielder and possess the best infield arm. Callaspo (.282-6-48) is ranked 9th.

Two Travs right-handers also rank in Baseball America's Top 10, Ervin Santana (No. 7) and Steven Shell (No. 10). Santana (2-1, 3.30) is said to have the best fastball and slider in the Angels farm system, while Shell (12-7, 3.59) has the best control.

While not ranked among the Angels' top 10 prospects, BA says Reggie Willits (.283-5-52) is their best defensive outfielder.

And this isn't just the cream of the crop in a crappy system. BA ranks the Angels' minor league talent No. 1.

Yikes.

Springfield will not field a top 10 prospect, though the 'Birds are not without talent. 3B Travis Hanson is the system's best defensive infielder CF Reid Gorecki is the top defensive outfielder.

There are also some pretty good bats in the Cardinals' lineup. Goreckin hit .320-0-1 in seven games with Double-A Tennessee last season after a line of .277-8-47 at Palm Beach. Hanson, also at Palm Beach, hit .259-2-35. RF/DH Papo Bolivar hit 15 homers at Double-A and slugged .459. I think this will be a fun team to watch.

Former SMS Bear Bob Zimmermann is opening the season at High-A Rancho Cucamonga, but could join the Travelers later in the year.