Cards prospects leading USA charge

Team USA is rolling, and Cardinals prospects have been a big part of the squad's success.

Colby Rasmus, Bryan Anderson and Chris Perez have all contributed to the U.S. team's charge through the Baseball World Cup in Chinese Taipei. Rasmus has been one of the team's stars as the leadoff man and starting center fielder, while Anderson and Perez have played part-time. Team USA posted a 3-1 victory over Korea on Friday. USA will now face the Netherlands in the semifinals Saturday at Tien Mou Stadium.

Rasmus had a huge game in the last day of pool play, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, two walks and a stolen base in the Americans' 10-7 win over the host team. Overall in the tournament, Rasmus is 10-for-28 (.357) with five doubles and a home run for a .643 slugging percentage. He's also drawn six walks against five strikeouts, good for a .471 on-base percentage.

Anderson made his third start behind the plate in the Chinese Taipei game, and continued to hit well. Over three games, he's 5-for-12 with a home run, two doubles and a walk. Perez has made three appearances, allowing a run on two hits, striking out three against one walk. He has no decisions or saves.

Dove outrighted: Right-hander Dennis Dove was recently outrighted to the Minor Leagues, removing the pitcher from the 40-man roster. Dove, who impressed the Cardinals last spring, got an early-season callup but missed the second half of the season with a shoulder injury.

Staff restructuring: The Cardinals announced several staffing changes in their baseball operations department. Mike Girsch has been promoted to director of baseball development and Osbert O'Campo has been promoted to manager of amateur scouting.

Jaron Madison, late of the Padres, has been hired to serve as assistant scouting director, while Brent Strom is a new Minor League pitching instructor.

RDS shuffle: Roger Dean Stadium, the Cardinals' Spring Training home, has a new general manager. Joe Pinto, who previously worked at Clipper Magazine Stadium (Lancaster, Pa.) in the independent Atlantic League and for the Class A Frederick Keys, takes over the job. He's only the second GM in the stadium's history, following Rob Rabenecker.