BLOOMINGTON - If publications and Web sites that chronicle minor league baseball are accurate, the next Jim Edmonds was on hand for the Cardinal Caravan Saturday at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

Colby Rasmus possesses that type of talent and, as the consensus No. 1 prospect in the St. Louis minor league system, he does feel a bit of that pressure.

"There is some," Rasmus said. "I've just got to play and have fun with everything. I feel blessed with everything that has happened to me. I like to play baseball. They gave me the opportunity, and I'm going to do the best with it I can."

A left-handed outfielder, Rasmus was the Cardinals' first round draft pick in 2005. He batted .296 in rookie ball that summer before splitting time with two Class A teams last season.

The 6-foot-1 Rasmus batted .310 with 11 home runs and 50 RBI and 17 stolen bases at Quad Cities of the Midwest League before being promoted to the high A Florida State League.

For Palm Beach, Rasmus underwent an adjustment period before finishing at .254 in 193 at-bats. He hit five home runs and stole 11 bases while knocking in 35.

Baseball America tabbed Rasmus the fourth best prospect in the Midwest League and the No. 6 prospect in the Florida State League. He is projected for 20-plus home runs and stolen bases as a major leaguer.

"I do the things they tell me to do and keep learning every day," said the 175-pounder. "I'm trying to put on more weight. That's what I've been trying to do in the offseason."

Rasmus will begin the upcoming season at either Palm Beach or Class AA Springfield, Mo.

"It depends on what I do in spring training," he said. "I hope I can do well and make the Double A team."

If Rasmus continues to develop, he could be patrolling the Busch Stadium outfield sometime in 2008.

"They say not to rush it. It's going to come. Everybody wants to make it as fast as they can," said the Columbus, Ga., native. "It's been my dream forever. I would like to make it this year, but I'm not saying that's going to happen. Whenever I make it, I make it. I'll try my best to make it as soon as possible."

Rasmus called watching the Cardinals win the World Series "awesome. I loved watching it thinking one day I could be there. Being able to do that would be amazing."

Having briefly met Edmonds in spring training, Rasmus could play alongside him someday or take over in center field when Edmonds retires.

"They were all real good guys," said Rasmus. "Hopefully, I can be like them someday."