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Ortiz: Cardinals start mining Mexico for talent

JUPITER, Fla. - In their quest to uncover more big league talent, the Cardinals explored another market this past summer. They went south of the border for a pair of prospects who had been dreaming of reaching the majors since they first picked up baseballs in their Mexican hometowns.

Shortstop Ramon Urias, a 2017 Mexican League All-Star, and right handed reliever Jesus Cruz aren’t your typical Latin American prospect at the Cardinals’ spring training early camp (STEP camp) for top young prospects this week at Roger Dean Stadium.

They’re a bit older and have already played professionally in their native country at a level some deem close to Class AAA.