Cards' Roberts, four others suspended

All five prospects to miss 50 games for violating drug program

Cardinals prospect Griffin Roberts posted a 3.82 ERA with Wake Forest in 2018. (Brian Westerholt/Four Seam Images)

By Chris Bumbaca | December 14, 2018 5:56 PM ET

Five Minor Leaguers, including Cardinals No. 10 prospect Griffin Roberts, were suspended 50 games Friday for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Chris Bumbaca is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @BOOMbaca. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Toolshed: 2018 Rule 5 Draft stickiness

Royals, O's picks likely to stay; Jays teenager faces challenge

The Royals are Sam McWilliams' third organization in the 2018 calendar year. (Freek Bouw/Phrake Photography)

By Sam Dykstra | December 14, 2018 10:08 AM ET

From two infielders headed to Baltimore to the 18-year-old right-hander selected by Toronto, Toolshed evaluates how likely 2018 Rule 5 Draft picks are to stick with their Major League clubs next season.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Fast-rising Gorman leads Cards All-Stars

Third baseman reached full-season level just weeks after Draft

Nolan Gorman reached Class A in his draft year and posted a .706 OPS in 25 games at the level. (Paul R. Gierhart/MiLB.com)

By Tyler Maun | December 14, 2018 9:58 AM ET

With young power bats like Luken Baker and Nolan Gorman coming out of the 2018 Draft, the Cardinals are loading up for another run of dominance in the National League Central.

Tyler Maun is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @TylerMaun. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Martin, McWilliams lead 2018 Rule 5 Draft

Orioles, Royals, Giants make two picks each at Winter Meetings

Richie Martin has produced a career .706 OPS over four seasons in the Minors. (Ben Sandstrom/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | December 13, 2018 2:06 PM ET

Shortstop Richie Martin and right-hander Sam McWilliams were the first two picks in this year's Rule 5 Draft with the Orioles, Royals and Giants making two picks each.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

'50 Summers' tells story of Omaha baseball

Documentary details Minor League history through a local lens

The documentary "50 Summers" features interviews with Omaha baseball luminaries such as former Royals manager Jack McKeon.

By Benjamin Hill | December 13, 2018 10:02 AM ET

"50 Summers," a documentary screened at the Winter Meetings, details a half-century of Minor League Baseball through a focus on Omaha, Nebraska. Ben Hill spoke to director Dan Napoli.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Padres' Green: Chances 'real' for Tatis, Urias

Two of top four prospects almost ready to pair up in big leagues

Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Urias are two of MLB.com's top 27 overall prospects. (Shawn E. Davis and Bobby Stevens/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | December 12, 2018 8:35 PM ET

Speaking from the Winter Meetings San Diego Padres manager Andy Green is excited to pair up Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Urias in the middle of the infield soon.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Braves' Snitker embracing pitching depth

Manager prepared to use prospect arms in several roles in 2019

Touki Toussaint led the Braves system with 163 strikeouts over 136 1/3 Minor League innings in 2018. (Ken Inness/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | December 12, 2018 4:24 PM ET

Braves manager Brian Snitker appreciates the depth of prospect pitching his club enjoys and is ready to give his best young arms multiple roles in 2019.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Franco, McKay shine brightly for Rays

Top prospects lead a powerful group of Tampa Bay youngsters

Wander Franco was named Appalachian League Player of the Year after hitting .351/.418/.587 for Princeton. (Brian McLeod/MiLB.com)

By Michael Avallone | December 12, 2018 10:24 AM ET

Without the financial might of the Yankees or Red Sox, the Rays are relying on prospects like teenage wunderkind Wander Franco -- who headlines the club's Organization All-Stars -- to brighten the future.

Michael Avallone is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @MavalloneMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Montoyo prepared to manage young Jays

Ex-Rays Minor League skipper has perfect skill set for Toronto

Charlie Montoyo will manage the Blue Jays after spending 21 years with the Rays organization. (Danny Wild/MiLB.com, Frank Gunn/AP)

By Sam Dykstra | December 11, 2018 8:01 PM ET

Led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays are preparing for a youth movement north of the border, and new skipper Charlie Montoyo -- who managed 18 years in the Minors -- is ready to guide them.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Strike up the band: Mariachis win the cup

Albuquerque's 'Copa' identity recognized as best in the Minors

Albuquerque's "Mariachis de Nuevo México" identity was the inaugural winner of the Copa de la Diversión event series.

By Benjamin Hill | December 11, 2018 5:02 PM ET

On Day One of the Baseball Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, the Mariachis de Nuevo México were named the top Copa de la Diversión identity in the Minors.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.