Realizing that their system had depth, but a distinct lack of “power”, the St. Louis Cardinals addressed that with 2 picks in the 4th round. Outfielder Harrison Bader from Florida University, and 3rd Baseman Paul DeJong from Illinois State.
DeJong began 2016 with the AA Springfield Cardinals. The Baby Birds reside in Springfield, MO, home of the Missouri State Bears. DeJong was no stranger to Bears fans, having faced their team multiple times in the Missouri Valley Conference, which he led in Home Runs with 14 in 2015.
In a coincidental twist, Paul now plays his home games in what was once considered unfriendly territory.