Drafted in the 23rd round (641st overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 1994.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
After having a breakout season in Double-A in 1999, Cardona dropped off in 2000. He may have been trying too hard, and Jacksonville is a hitter's ballpark. Making matters worse, he hardly played when he was summoned to the major leagues. And on the few occasions when he saw action, he didn't do much. Cardona does have power and makes consistent contact. He isn't going to win a Gold Glove, but he's adequate across the board defensively. Brandon Inge, the organization's top prospect, will be at Toledo this season, making Cardona the leading candidate to back up Mitch Meluskey in Detroit. He has to make more of that opportunity than he did last year.
Minor League Top Prospects
While no consensus exists for any remaining player on this year's list, Cardona's combination of power and consistency at the plate (.309 with a league-leading 26 home runs) and shutting down opponents' running games gave him plenty of support. In fact, his homer total surpassed his entire previous career total. He had 23 in 1,168 at-bats spread over five seasons before this year. "He's a good-looking catcher, even before you throw in his power hitting ability," Runge said.
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