The St. Louis are struggling to fully develop young hitting prospects and do everything that's necessary to help them maximize their full potential.

Too many young batsmen have stalled, the latest being Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman. Lars Nootbaar hasn't developed into the player the Cardinals thought he would be; "Noot" has taken a step back. And with Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado in career declines, where is the next wave of young hitting talent?

That's the "scary" part, even though we can point to Masyn Winn (no worries there), Alec Burleson (a platoon hitter) and recent first-round draft choice J.J. Wetherholt, I don't trust the process. Or the development. Or the people in charge. Or the staffing.

I can't assume these young hitters can become great or even good. The Cardinals' recent history in these matters is a big concern. The young-pitcher side of the operation offers at least some optimism. But my focus today is on young hitters, and what it could look like in the future if Walker and Gorman can't get back on track and stay there.