ST. LOUIS • True to their organization goal of having one generation of players shape the next and so on, the Cardinals' list of managers and instructors for the minor-league system is dotted with former players and longtime coaches who may have new roles but are buttoning a familiar jersey.
The Cardinals' longtime backup, who caught the eye of the Cardinals more than a decade ago during a tryout at the Jupiter, Fla., facility, has returned to the organization as an instructor this season. Cruz will help with catchers throughout the organization, according to the team's official announcement of minor-league staffs on Friday.