What’s going on in Memphis? A look at the players and the area

Heading down to Memphis to check out the Cardinals’ Triple A affiliate always is worthwhile, and that was the case again with our latest trip.

Memphis made the sports social media news this week because sportscaster Stephen A. Smith had reported what some NBA players told him– that they did not like playing in Memphis due to the crime. As it turns out the mayor of Memphis says the crime rate has gone down and invited Smith to come visit the city and he has accepted the invitation.

Regarding crime, the area around AutoZone Park seemed relatively safe, not really much different than any downtown metropolitan area. Some of the parking locations are a little ways away from the stadium, but there is usually a pretty good crowd of people leaving right after the game walking to their cars and there was a  good police presence.

The businesses on Beale Street are a short walk from AutoZone Park and the walk seemed safe. There are several hotels within walking distance from the stadium, but if you stay at the Drury at Horn Lake, it’s in a safe area. Just plan ahead for parking around Auto Zone Park. And if you are willing to pay about $25 for an Uber that saves you the parking problem.  And the $25 Uber (both ways) is not that much more than you will pay to park if you stay at one of the hotels across the street.

We have stayed both at the Drury Hotel which we like, and also one right across the street from the ballpark. It’s really a matter of preference, staying downtown or in the suburbs.

There’s a lot to consider when going to AutoZone Park since it is in a downtown setting with parking at a premium, but it’s a lot of fun to see the games there with several top prospects on the roster and others who already have spent time in St. Louis.

Here is a rundown of some of the players to watch: (All statistics are through Sunday’s game)

Pitchers

Ryan Fernandez – Since he was optioned after some early-season struggles with the Cardinals, Fernandez has posted a 4.30 ERA over 23 innings.

Quinn Mathews – After spending six weeks on the injured list with shoulder issues, Mathews has returned to form in his recent starts. He worked five scoreless innings in his last start against Norfolk.

Michael McGreevy – The defacto sixth starter for the Cardinals, expected to get another start for the Cardinals this week against the Cubs is 7-1 with 2.51 ERA in 12 Triple A starts this season.

Sem Robberse – He is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Tekoah Roby – Promoted from Springfield, Roby made his third start for Memphis on Sunday and worked six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out five.

Chris Roycroft – The righthanded reliever has been a frequent passenger on the 1-55 shuttle this year and while in Memphis has posted a 6.89 ERA in 13 games.

Drew Rom – After missing all of last season following surgery, Rom has made four starts in Triple A but has only worked a combined 14 1/3 innings.

Matt Svanson – Like Roycroft, Svanson has been up and down from St. Louis this season. In 12 games in Memphis he has a 3.57 ERA.

Curtis Taylor – Signed as a minor-league free agent in February, the 29-year-old righthanded Taylor is tied for the second most starts on the team with 10. He has a 4-1 record with a 3.13 ERA after spending last season pitching in Mexico. Taylor is shown in photo, right.

Position Players

Luken Baker – The first baseman has hit six home runs, adding to his Memphis career record, since he was optioned back to Triple but has posted only a .152 average in 25 games. Baker is shown in photo, left.

Nathan Church – After starting this season in Springfield, Church was promoted to Memphis and has gotten off to a fast start. His first Triple A home run was a grand slam and his second was an inside-the-park homer. He is hitting .426 in his first 15 games.

Jimmy Crooks – The Texas Leaguer player of the year last season has made a smooth transition to Triple A. The starting catcher leads the team with 10 homers and 51 RBIs while hitting .251. Crooks is shown in photo, left.

Jose Fermin – The veteran infielder leads Memphis with 18 stolen bases while hitting .310 with 34 RBIs.

Matt Koperniak – This has been a slow start to the season for Koperniak, a career .298 hitter in the minor leagues coming into this season but the outfielder is only hitting .214 so far in 2025.

Cesar Prieto – The infielder has moved around the diamond for the Redbirds while driving in 43 runs to rank second to Crooks on the team. Prieto is shown in the photo, right.

Michael Siani – He is one of eight players on Memphis with five or more home runs while posting a .247 average.

Bryan Torres – One of the most overlooked outfielders on the roster, Torres has four homers to go with a .319 average after hitting .331 in Springfield last season.