As the shift happened within their minor-league system and the Cardinals could spread talent to areas beyond a traditional strength — pitching development is the calling card — they filled in open crevices at the corners and added another layer of options for the outfield. The depth chart that once looked like a doughnut had more substance and greater density, becoming more of a boiled bagel.
Stalled prospects, capped international spending, and fewer, later draft picks have been the ingredients for a middle infield that is lacking.