UPDATE:

I found this quote of rotoworld.com (and a reader e-mailed me as well) about Colby Rasmus 2 days after I wrote the article on him:

General manager John Mozeliak said Tuesday that 21-year-old Colby Rasmus will be given a chance to claim the Cardinals’ starting job in center field during spring training.

This is a turnaround from the stance they took after dealing Edmonds to San Diego.

12/24/07:

Now that Jim Edmonds has been dealt to the San Diego Padres, the Center Field position became available. One of the names that was thrown out as the heir apparent to the position was Colby Rasmus. Since the trade it appears that either Rick Ankiel, or Ryan Ludwick may get the job. According to reports, Rasmus is the future center fielder for the Cardinals, but he still may be a year or so away from assuming the position full-time. I am not quite sure that I buy that.

So who is Colby Rasmus?

He was the Cardinals’ 1st round selection (28th overall) in 2005, and progressed through the system to Double-A last year. That is a lot of movement in only two years. The best part is that he is only 20 years old. Here are his stats for the last few years. Baseball America ranks Rasmus as their top prospect in the system right now.

This kid can hit for average and post solid power numbers. You don’t have to look far to see the power since he hit 29 home runs last year at double-A. In addition, he stole 18 bases las year. He is a definite candidate to be a 20/20 guy, which is gold for fantasy owners.

I personally think that the future is now, even though the Cardinals say that it isn’t. With the departure of David Eckstein, the need for a lead off hitter may move his time frame up. I think if you are in a deep keeper league, Rasmus is a great speculative pick at the end of the draft. I would select him this year, and then see if he makes the team out of spring training.