Skip Schumaker, second baseman of the St. Louis Cardinals will not be featured on his own card. Instead, the St. Louis “rally squirrel” will be the focal point of the trading card.

Cardinals fans and baseball fans alike may remember the infamous squirrel that ran across home plate as Schumaker was up in Game 4 of the 2011 NLDS. The phenomena surrounding this little critter has taken on a life of its own supplanting it as a celebrity at Busch Stadium. It even has its own song now, written and performed by St. Louis native, Randy Mayfield.

Schumaker was selected by the Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2001 Amateur Entry Draft out of the University of California, Santa Barbara.

He has played in 269 games over a two-year span (2005-07) with Memphis. In his last stint with the Redbirds (2007), he hit .306 with seven home runs and 31 RBI in 59 games.

Last season he posted a .283 batting average with two home runs and 38 RBI. He was used in all different formats as he made appearances at his primary position, 2B, but also in LF, CF and RF.

By: Michael Stagno, Memphis Redbirds media relations

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Adams is coming off an extremely successful season in which he was named the TEX League Player of the Year. He hit .300 with 32 home runs, 101 RBI and also posted a .357 OBP, a .566 slugging percentage and an OPS of .923.

MiLB.com: What have you been up to during the offseason?

Matt Adams: I had a sore knee towards the end of the Fall League and missed the last two weeks there, then gave myself another week off here at home. Since then I’ve been working out with a trainer and doing a lot of hitting in the cage.

MiLB.com: It’s said that the hardest jump for Minor Leaguers to make as they move up the ladder is that to Double-A. You skipped over Class A Advanced altogether on your way to the Texas League. At what point did you find out that you’d be headed to Springfield instead of Palm Beach?

Adams: I had an idea that I’d be on the Double-A roster by the last week of Spring Training. It didn’t really matter to me where I went, but when they sent me to Springfield, I definitely wanted to convince them they hadn’t made a mistake.

MiLB.com: How much thought have you given to the fact that there’s a hole to fill at first base in St. Louis with Albert Pujols having departed to the Angels?

Adams: I hated to see Albert go. He brought so much to the team and the organization. He’s an amazing player. I’m concentrating on improving my own game more than where I’m playing, but yeah, it’s exciting to maybe have an opportunity to contribute.

The interview, in its entirety, can be found here.

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Adams, a native of Philipsburg, Penn., and last season’s TEX League Player of the Year, was selected by the Cardinals in the 23rd round (699th overall) of the 2009 Amateur Entry Draft. Last season he hit .300 with 32 home runs and 101 RBI while posting a .357 OBP and a .923 OPS. With the departure of Albert Pujols, he could be in line as the future first baseman of the Cardinals.

Born in Hilo, Hawaii, Wong was selected by the Cardinals in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2011 Amateur Entry Draft. Last season he posted a .335 batting average with five home runs and 25 RBI. He also posted an OBP of .401 and swiped nine bags. Having already made a quick transition to professional baseball straight out of college, he could be in the majors sooner rather than later.

A product of Louisville, Ky., Cox was selected by the Cardinals in the first round (25th overall) of the 2010 Amateur Entry Draft out of the University of Arkansas. In high school he was honored as an All-American by Under Armour, Rawlings and Louisvile Slugger. Last season, which he split time at Palm Beach and Springfield, he hit .306 with 13 home runs and 68 RBI.

Miller, a flamethrower from Houston, Texas, and recipient of back-to-back St. Louis Cardinals’ Organization Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors (2010-11), was selected by the Cardinals in the first round (19th overall) of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Last season he appeared in 25 games (with both Palm Beach and Springfield) posting an 11-6 record with a 2.77 ERA and 170 strikeouts.

The rest of the list plays out like this: Bryce Harper (Nationals) and Mike Trout (Angels) headline a stout outfield group while Anthony Rizzo, who was recently traded to the Cubs from the Padres, figures to join the big club sometime this year as does his replacement in San Diego, Yonder Alonso. Newly acquired Jesus Montero (Mariners) is the standout Minor Leagues catcher after being acquired this offseason from the Yankees.

The top three 3B prospects, Nolan Arenado (Rockies), Miguel Sano (Twins) and Anthony Rendon (Nationals) all look ready to make an impact this season while the Orioles have the brightest future at middle infield with prospects 2B Jonathon Schoop and SS Manny Machado. Top LHP Matt Moore should be up with the Rays sometime this year while top RHP Julio Teheran will be looking to make his return to the Braves’ rotation.

This season is shaping up to be one of the most active in terms of promotions from the minors in recent history as there is an overload of talent ready to make the jump to The Show.

By: Michael Stagno, Memphis Redbirds media relations

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Miller, born in Houston, Texas, is a product of Brownwood (TEX) High School where he was a two-sport athlete. He threw four no-hitters (one perfect game) and was also an All-State punter and All-District wide receiver. He was selected by the Cardinals in the first round (19th overall) of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. He is fresh off another impressive season in which he posted an 11-6 record with a 2.77 ERA and 170 strikeouts (appeared in nine games for Palm Beach and 16 with Springfield). He was also, again, for the second year in a row, named the St. Louis Cardinals’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

Born in Colinas Del Sur, Dominican Republic, Martinez was signed by the Cardinals as a Minor League free agent on April 20, 2010. Last year he finished with a 6-5 record and a 3.93 ERA while fanning 98. Also in 2011, he was named the third-best prospect in the Cardinals organization by Baseball America. Compared to Pedro Martinez, his fastball stays consistently in the upper 90s, but has been clocked in the triple digits at times.

Joining Miller and rounding out the rest of the top five are No. 1-ranked Matt Moore (Rays), No. 2 Bryce Harper (Nationals), No. 3 Mike Trout (Angels) and Julio Teheran (Braves), ranked fourth.

The future looks bright for teams like the Rays, Athletics and Padres who all lead the Top-100 with six prospects each while the Braves and Mariners both have five and the Nationals, Rangers, Pirates, Royals,  Blue Jays, Rockies and Red Sox all have four.

By: Michael Stagno, Memphis Redbirds media relations

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My name is Michael Stagno and I am the new media relations assistant for the Memphis Redbirds. Working in professional baseball has been a lifelong dream of mine. I was raised on the sport by my grandfather, a devout Boston Red Sox fan (a family tradition). I’m from New England and I love cold weather and snow! I graduated from Auburn University (War Eagle!) in May of 2011 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. While at Auburn, I was also an intern at the Auburn athletic complex for over two years where I assisted with all the men’s and women’s athletics programs.

My pets: I have a 3-year-old, black Labrador/Retriever named “Yaz”. His name is in honor of my grandfather whose favorite player was MLB Hall of Fame outfielder and Red Sox great, Carl Yastrzemski.

My hobbies: I enjoy kayaking, mountain biking, traveling, playing/watching sports and the occasional stint on my Xbox 360.

My favorite musicians: The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Jet, The White Stripes, Dropkick Murphys, Dispatch, Ryan Adams and David Gray.

My favorite movies: All of the Indiana Jones films (except for the fourth one); Gladiator; 300; Kingdom of Heaven; Conan the Barbarian; Forgetting Sarah Marshall; I Love You, Man; Hot Rod and MacGruber.

My favorite sports moment: Came during the 2004 MLB Playoffs. The Boston Red Sox became the first MLB team to overcome a 3-0 postseason deficit to win four games in a row, defeating the New York Yankees for the A.L. pennant. The Sox would then go on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals for their first World Series title since 1918.

Keep up with me on Twitter: @mstag7

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I look forward to seeing all of you around AutoZone Park and here’s to hoping for a great season!

@memphisredbirds: Alright @AdamOttavino, are you ready to get this #Twinterview started?!

@AdamOttavino: absolutely! ready and willing! #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Great! Now, how has your offseason home in Brooklyn, NY been treating you? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: it has been good so far, been working hard and enjoying being home. Here is a pic i took http://t.co/eEEfLCDA #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Good to hear, so what has been keeping you busy this offseason? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: I have been preparing for next season, dominating in Fifa 12 from PS3, and giving some lessons to local kids #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Dominating in Fifa 12, eh? So you think you’re better than fellow teammates @jonjayU and @DanielDescalso? #Twinterview

@Adam Ottavino: Well, I don’t want to brag, but I have the ring in Fifa, and they have the real ring i want…WS Ring #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Touche sir, soon enough! What made you want to become a baseball player? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: my dad taught me the game, and its been a companion every year since…the only thing i ever felt meant to do #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: What are your parting words for 2011 Redbirds manager Hammer? #Twinterivew

@AdamOttavino: congrats!! Hammer was a great manager to play for and I am happy he is going to be in STL this year #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: What are your thoughts on Pop managing the Redbirds next season? #Twinterview

@Adam Ottavino: The team is in great hands…Pop is another great manager…I am sure the team will have a good year #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Which Cardinals player do you think you have learned the most from? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: Many players have helped me, but I have watched Adam Wainwright closely , and learned a lot from him and his approach

@memphisredbirds: He is certainly a good guy to watch. Who is your favorite athlete? Why? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: Jimmy Key was my favorite pitcher growing up..overall athlete I would Say Muhammed Ali, he changed the world #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Who have people said you look like? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: I have heard lots of names, josh hartnett, tom brady, ashton kutcher… personally i don’t see them but oh well#twinterview

@memphisredbirds: We’ll go with Josh Hartnett. If you weren’t in baseball, what would you be doing? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: I think I could have a sports talk radio show or something someday #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Tell us one thing about you that the fans don’t already know. #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: My arms can do this: pic.twitter.com/C1AU7NDB

@memphisredbirds: Oh wow, did not see that coming. Impressive. What are your words to live by? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: Make Haste…Slowly (meaning things take time, but consistent work will pay off) #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Let’s go back to 2006. Describe in 140 characters how it felt to be drafted in the 1st round of the MLB draft? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: surreal feeling..took a while to hit me…my 3 years at Northeastern had helped me achieve a major goal for me #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: And how was it working through your shoulder injury in 2010? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: crazy, i had never been through anything like that. I felt helpless. Thankfully I wasn’t, and now I feel great. Thanks to all the people who helped me get healthy and back on the field, they deserve the credit #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: What is the most difficult part about playing professional baseball? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: just the everyday grind…people are at the beach and you can’t go… it ok though because I love it #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Always good to love what you do. If you were on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: The Amazing Race…I love the traveling aspect, and flying a lot is easy at this point #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Yea, you’ve got to be used to the traveling by now. So, how are you preparing for next season? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: I strength train with @strengthcoach64 and throw nights during the week with local pro ballplayers i know #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: Liked the shout-out right there. What was the best decision you ever made? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: To go to College instead of signing out of high school..i was 17 and not ready. I had a great college experience and got bigger and stronger #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: One last question: what do you like most about being part of the Cardinals organization? #Twinterview

@AdamOttavino: They have a great history, and I have been blessed with great teammates in my career #twinterview

@memphisredbirds: That’s all from us here in Memphis, thanks for participating in this #Twinterview! And as always, good luck next season!

@AdamOttavino: Thanks for having me! #twinterview

Leave a comment if you have any suggestions on who should participate in our next #Twinterview!

The former Double-A Cardinals manager spent five years with the team in Springfield, MO. While with the S-Cards, Warner went 364-347 (.512) in the Texas League. This will be his first time as a manager in the Pacific Coast League but not his first time as part of the PCL. Pop was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1991 in the 17^th round of the first-year player draft. Warner spent nine years in the Cardinals organization and played for Memphis from 1998-99 at Tim McCarver Stadium.

The 41-year-old hit .290 in 1999 at Tim McCarver Stadium while collecting 11 home runs and 33 RBI as a Redbird. In 2000, Warner made his transition to a coach when he served as the Cardinals batting practice pitcher. His previous coaching jobs include the New Haven Ravens (2001), New Jersey Cardinals (2002), Johnson City Cardinals (2003), Swing of Quad Cities (2004) and Palm Beach Cardinals (2005-06) before taking the job with the Springfield Cardinals in 2007.

Pop replaces previous manager, Hammer, who was promoted to first base coach with the St. Louis Cardinals. Maloney led the Redbirds to a 367-350 (.512) record in his five years as manager, becoming the club’s all-time winningest manager as he surpassed former skipper Gaylen Pitts (364 wins) this past season.

Pitching coach Blaise Ilsley and hitting coach Mark Budaska will both return to Memphis for their fifth season. Ilsley’s pitchers posted a 4.10 ERA, the lowest in the Pacific Coast League, while Budaska coached his hitters to a .270 average last season.

The Redbirds also say goodbye to long-time Athletic Trainer Christophe LaMonte Conroy. After seven years of service with the Memphis Redbirds, Conroy received his call up to the big leagues and will join the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2012 season as their Assistant Athletic Trainer.  You will be missed CC, but we are more than proud of you!

@memphisredbirds: Alright everyone, let’s get this #Twinterview started! @jonjayU, are you ready for this?

@jonjayU: let’s do it!

@memphisredbirds: Great! In 140 characters describe your World Series experience. #Twinterview

@jonjayU: it was incredible especially the series we had. I remember watching World Series in the past and dreaming of playing in one.

@memphisredbirds: Do you consider winning the World Series the most exciting thing you have done in life thus far? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: in the sports aspect of my life it is definitely number one

@memphisredbirds: How did you feel once that last out had been made in game 7 of the World Series? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: it was crazy I remember running over to Craig and just yelling because we were so fired up

@memphisredbirds: When did it hit you that you were a major leaguer? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: the day I got called up from Memphis I got to pinch hit for Carp against Hudson when I was standing on deck it hit me

@memphisredbirds: What are you looking forward to in the 2012 season? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I can’t wait to be around my teammates and trying to do the same exact thing we did last year, win!

@memphisredbirds: What made you want to become a baseball player? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: since I can remember I always loved baseball it’s always been the one sport I have always enjoyed the most

@memphisredbirds: Which minor leaguers do you think fans should keep their eye out for in the #StLCards farm system? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I think Ryan Jackson is a sleeper

@memphisredbirds: What’s one thing you learned in the minors that has helped you in the majors? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I’ve learned how to deal with different circumstances and still be able to perform: long bus rides, 5am flights, eating bad

@memphisredbirds: Also, what adjustments did you have to make going from the Redbirds to the Cardinals? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: every level in the minors Ieagues I had to make an adjustment from Memphis to St Louis the speed of the game is faster.

@memphisredbirds: And what do you miss most about Memphis? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I miss the good Memphis barbecue And my Huey’s burgers

@memphisredbirds: What were your parting words for Tony La Russa? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: It was a shocker. I thanked him for helping me in my career, he is an incredible manager.

@memphisredbirds: Thoughts on Matheny taking over for TLR? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I’m excited, I think he is going to a great job we have a good group of core guys

@memphisredbirds: Ok, so we’re all wondering: what’s the status of your fro right now? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: haha I tweeted a pic last week but here’s another one lockerz.com/s/161158736

@memphisredbirds: It’s all gone! Will it make another appearance next season? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: maybe we’ll see how I’m feeling

@memphisredbirds: Haha, ok. You always seem to be chewing on gum during games… do you have a favorite flavor? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: haha I just stick with the original flavor I like the big league chew grape

@memphisredbirds: Ah, ‘Ground Ball’ Grape, nice choice. Who have people said you look like? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I’m not really sure I say I look like a young fresh prince of Bel Aire Will Smith haha

@memphisredbirds: Yea, we’ll give it to you! If you weren’t in baseball, what would you be doing? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: involved in some Type of Business probably be an entrepreneur

@memphisredbirds: Now, you are known for your large shoe collection. What’s your favorite pair? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I’m not sure prob my lebron 8′s South Beaches and All the 11 Jordans

@memphisredbirds: We see that you, @DanielDescalso and @dfreese23 all say #ouef on twitter, are you allowed to tell us what that means? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: sorry thats secret society

@memphisredbirds: I guess we’ll have to respect that. What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Cardinals organization? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: The Tradition

@memphisredbirds: Which Cardinals player have you learned the most from? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: it’s funny because I think everyone has helped me at some time that’s the great thing about our team we are all close

@memphisredbirds: Tell us one thing about you that the fans don’t already know. #Twintervie

@jonjayU: that if i didn’t play baseball all year in high school I would have played soccer

@memphisredbirds:  Wow, very interesting. What are your words to live by? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: trust in God

@memphisredbirds: You’ve made it to the majors, played in the WS, what’s your ultimate goal now as a baseball player? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: be fortunate enough to win another ring

@memphisredbirds: Always good. That’s all from us in Memphis, thanks 4 participating in our 2nd #Twinterview. Good luck in StL, we’re rooting for ya!

@jonjayU: thanks you and everyone for your questions

So it looks like #oeuf will remain a mystery to fans, but you can’t blame us for trying to find out!

Because both #Twinterviews went as well as they did, a few more are in the works to be scheduled soon. Leave us a comment here about who you think our next #Twinterview should be with! And of course, follow us! @memphisredbirds

If you missed our Twinterview with Daniel Descalso, you’re in luck. I kept tabs on every question and answer exchanged and here’s what we came up with:

@memphisredbirds: Let’s get this twinterview started! In 140 characters describe your World Series experience. #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso : It was a dream come true. I can remember being a little kid hoping to be a big leaguer and to win a WS is amazing.

@memphisredbirds: When did it finally hit you that you were a major leaguer? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: It sunk in when I got my first hit. A double in Pittsburgh.

@memphisredbirds: What are you looking forward to in the 2012 season? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I’m excited to play for Mike Matheny and to get Wainwright back. I smell a repeat.

@memphisredbirds: What made you want to become a baseball player? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: That is all I ever wanted to be. From the moment my dad put a whifflebat in my hands I knew I want to be a baseball player.

@memphisredbirds: What were your parting words for Manager Tony La Russa? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I thanked him for the opportunity he gave me and I wished him luck in the future. I was lucky to play for him.

@memphisredbirds: What are your thoughts on Mike Matheny taking over for La Russa? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Great player. Great leader. Even better guy. Tough to follow TLR but I’m exited about what he brings to the table.

@memphisredbirds: Which players do you think fans should keep their eye out for in the #StLCards farm system? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: There are lots of good players in the system. 1B Matt Adams and SS Ryan Jackson are just a couple.

@memphisredbirds: Which #StLCards player have you learned the most from? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I’ve tried to learn from them all. With the veterans we have it’s hard to point out just one cuz I’ve learned from them all

@memphisredbirds: Alright, we have to ask…what do you miss most about Memphis? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Rendezvous and the Kooky Canuck. Two of my favorite spots. And all the great people of course.

@memphisredbirds: Memphis misses you too! So do you know who tweets for @TortyCraig? Is it Wainwright? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: No comment haha. I will say that it’s not Wainwright or any other member of the team.

@memphisredbirds: Haha, fair enough! Here’s a tough one: @BuschSquirrel or @TortyCraig? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Definitely Torty. He was with us the whole year (we kept him quiet) and the squirrel only showed up in the playoffs

@memphisredbirds: Nice! What’s one thing you learned in the minors that has helped you the most in the majors? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: You gotta ride the wave. There are lots of ups and downs in baseball but you cant get too high or too low.

@memphisredbirds: Who is your favorite athlete and why? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I’m a huge 49ers fan and I always loved watching Steve Young play quarterback. Great competitor.

@memphisredbirds: What activities keep you busy in the off-season? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Right now it’s getting a coffee and walking around in the Marina in San Francisco. I’m simple haha

@memphisredbirds: Sounds like a very relaxing off-season for you! Who have people said you look like? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I did have one fan tell me I looked like a cross between Matt Morris and John Mabry. Haha I dunno.

 @memphisredbirds: Hmm…there’s somewhat of a resemblance…If you weren’t in baseball, what would you be doing? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Great question…I like to cook so maybe an executive chef or own my own restaurant.

@memphisredbirds: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the St. Louis Cardinals organization? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: The tradition. It’s an honor to wear the same jersey that so many legends have worn over the years.

@memphisredbirds: Good choice, very true. Tell us one thing about you that the fans don’t already know. #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Hmmm…my last name literally means “no shoes” in Italian and Spanish.

@memphisredbirds: Haha, that is pretty awesome. What are your words to live by? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Only worry about the things that you can control and forget the rest. That’s my motto.

@memphisredbirds: As of right now, who do you think will be the #StLCards biggest competition next year? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: The NL Central will be tough again. The Reds and Brewers are going to be good. We can’t underestimate anybody though.

@memphisredbirds: What are your expectations for the Cardinals next season? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I think the sky is the limit. We have a great team coming back and after winning this year we are all hungry for a repeat.

@memphisredbirds: You made it to the majors and was a part of the 2011 WS team, what’s your ultimate goal now as a player? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: The goal is to play as long as I can and win a lot of World Series’. The first one was great but I want more.

@memphisredbirds: How do you prepare for the next season? What does your off-season workout include? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I do my strength and conditioning with a trainer in the Bay Area. I also hit and throw with other local baseball players.

@memphisredbirds: One last question to wrap this up! How many ways can a batter reach first base? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: 7…Hit, Error, Walk, Hit by pitch, Dropped 3rd strike, Catcher’s interference, and Fielder’s Choice. Nailed it haha.

@memphisredbirds: Nicely done! That’s all from us in Memphis. Thanks for participating in our 1st #Twinterview! Good luck with everything, we’ll be rooting for ya!

@DanielDescalso: Anytime…Go Cardinals and Go Redbirds!! #Twinterview

The promotion will continue it’s Independence Day weekend debut tonight and Sunday at AutoZone Park as the four characters race for the win.

Come out and cheer on your favorite Rendezvous character.  Characters include  the pulled pork sandwich, a bottle of BBQ sauce, a rib and a container of Rendezvous’ famous dry rub seasoning .

The rib brought home the victory last night, let’s see if he can defend his title in tonight’s Rendezvous Rib Race!

Photos By: Allison Rhoades