The Cardinals aren't loaded with elite prospects at every position. Their overall organizational strength ranks in the middle of the major league pack as spring training nears.

But pitching remains their calling card, from top to bottom, and general manager John Mozeliak will have two other surpluses to eventually deal from — middle infield and center field.

That should give him the leverage to make the moves he must to keep this team's competitive window open indefinitely.

The pitching assets are most critical. Stockpiling arms has remained a focal point of the team's amateur scouting, even as the Chicago Cubs put more emphasis on building offensive power and depth.

This organizational strength will allow Mozeliak to trade pitching for hitting as needed, as he did when he sent former first-round pick Rob Kaminsky to the Cleveland Indians organization for home-run hitter Brandon Moss during the 2015 season.

Expect to see more deals like that (and bigger ones, too) during the months and years to come. Rather than lose his extra pitchers for nothing — via waivers or the Rule 5 draft as they come of age — Mozeliak will get to move them for other assets.

PITCHING PROSPECTS