Cardinals’ Rasmus to begin in Memphis

? Colby Rasmus showed the St. Louis Cardinals he’s ready, whenever they’re ready for him.

The jewel of the organization’s farm system will begin the season as the starting center fielder at Triple-A Memphis after being reassigned to the minor-league camp. Manager Tony La Russa gave the 21-year-old Rasmus and the other handful of prospects whose dreams were deferred a day off Tuesday to adjust to the new reality.

That was the only day off this spring for the major leaguers, although it was business as usual at the minor-league camp.

Rasmus, considered the heir apparent to Jim Edmonds in center field since shortly after he was taken in the first round of the 2005 draft out of high school, anticipated the move several hours before getting the news. He’s never played above the Double-A level.