Cardinals news and notes: First inning, Sandy Alcantara, John Gant, MLB Network, farm system

Here’s a look back at yesterday’s story lineup:

1st inning woes plagued Cardinals pitching in 2016 — Alex Crisafulli intriguingly addressed the blunders that came in the opening frame of games last season and how crushing they proved to be to the success of the pitching staff.

Viva El Birdos 2017 Cardinals Top Prospects: #9 Sandy Alcantara — The red baron provided a scouting report like only he can on Viva El Birdos ninth-overall prospect, Sandy Alcantara.

Checking in on John Gant — I magnified the fine spring that right-hander John Gant is having thus far.

Dexter Fowler and Adam Wainwright appear on MLB Network - A Hunt and Peck — Lil_scooter’s daily link post featured Cardinals center fielder Dexter Fowler and pitcher Adam Wainwright, who recently appeared on MLB Network.

The state of the Cardinals farm system — Ben Markham examined how St. Louis’s crop of minor leaguers looks on the whole, and he did a fine job doing so.

That does it for Monday! Nineteen more days, folks.