The 30,000-foot view of the Cardinals is more encouraging than what fans can see from close up.
The Cardinals are rebuilding their overall organizational strength to its highest level since player development czar Jeff Luhnow’s heyday here. The franchise fortified its talent base through the draft and international signings, and it has hung on to its top prospects.
This progress didn’t prevent the Cardinals from staggering to their shocking 10-24 start. Nor did it provide oxygen to dragging players late in their stretch of 19 games in 19 days.
But if the organization continues making developmental strides this summer, the team could find internal offensive solutions and make offers for pitching help.