The start of Grapefruit League play is a natural time to press refresh on the list of Cardinals topics spring training should sort out.
Some, such as the battle for the fifth rotation spot and the ongoing outfield scramble, are rather obvious in both importance and how they will be answered.
Starters who don’t secure a rotation spot will likely head to the bullpen.
Outfielders who come up short in the competition will likely head to the bench, or to the minors.
But one scenario is far more complicated, and therefore much more intriguing.
It includes a veteran who is trying to prove he still has something left, a player who should be entering his prime, and a young up-and-comer who has created big expectations.