ST. LOUIS -- Most days, in the few minutes before batting practice begins, infield coach Jose Oquendo shuffles his way over to first base to find a flock of players gathered for his tutorial.
Standing there are Brandon Moss and Mark Reynolds, both with plenty of experience but also uncertain of their upcoming playing time. Stephen Piscotty has joined the group in an effort to learn the nuances of a position he may be called to play more frequently down the road. Pete Kozma, Tony Cruz, Yadier Molina all stop in to stay just sharp enough in case they're needed.