Cards announce instructional league plans

MILWAUKEE -- Five players selected by the Cardinals in the first seven rounds of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft highlight the 44 players the Cardinals have invited to their annual instructional league, which begins later this month.

The organization will have the participating position players report to the team's Jupiter, Fla., complex on Sept. 15, and the pitchers follow three days later. Game play will begin on Sept. 25, and will include at least eight games between Mets and Marlins.

The Cardinals hold the three-week camp as a way to provide more individualized instruction to select Minor League players. It was in instructional league last year, for instance, that the organization began converting Carson Kelly to a catcher. 

The top participating 2014 Draftees include right-hander Jack Flaherty (first round, MLB.com's No. 5 Cardinals prospect), right-hander Ronnie Williams (second), right-hander Andrew Morales (compensation), second baseman Darren Seferina (fifth) and catcher Brian O'Keefe. Other notable participants include shortstop Oscar Mercado, right-hander Alex Reyes (No. 4 prospect) and shortstop Aledmys Diaz. Kelly also will participate again this year.

Diaz, who was limited to 47 games in an injury-riddled first season with the organization, will continue his rehab work during this camp.