The Cardinals have not been good in producing their own good hitters. Like I said, they have had a hard time developing hitters over the years. Funny that you mention all star players. Pujols and Molina are the ONLY all star players St Louis has developed in the past 14 years. And only Pujols can hit. Molina, despite his improvement this season, has been an all star because he can catch and throw out runners. Go back another 6 years and you will only find 2 more players, Lankford and Pagnozzi who the Cardinals developed. And again Pagnozzi, a catcher, was known more for his defense. So, really, in the past 20 years the Cardinals have produced 2 all star hitters. :? Im sorry but that is not consistently developing home grown talent into good hitters. Just mainly "fill in" hitters. 12 of the 16 different all star players (not pitchers) since 1991 came from somewhere else. They are not the Yankees but most of their key players come from other organizations.
Freese I love and think he could be the next home grown all star. Craig has great potential. Jay I think is just ok and at best is a number 3 or 4 outfielder. Rasmus had all the tools to be great but also has way to much baggage. He was terrible after the trade. 3 of these guys came in the same draft (2006) so maybe the future will be better than the past.