The Cardinals took a chance when they decided to take Puerto Rican high school shortstop Delvin Perez with their first pick in the 2016 Draft, No. 23 overall. Yes, he was a top-notch talent, one who could have been a top 10 pick. But the news that came out pre-Draft about a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs put a huge question mark next to his name.
The Cardinals obviously answered that question enough to feel good about taking Perez and they've felt even better about the decision based on how he's handled things since joining the organization.
"Once a player comes here, we work with everybody, regarding what our expectations are," Cardinals farm director Gary LaRocque said.