LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- With only 13 games remaining on their exhibition schedule, the Cardinals are nearing the point where decisions will need to be made and roles solidified. Let’s dive into some of the topics still unsettled by way of your questions in this week’s Inbox.

Who gets the baseball in the ninth inning on the Cardinals team this season?
-- Matthew S., @matthewcstevens

Don’t hold your breath waiting for the Cardinals to name a closer ahead of Opening Day. It won’t end well for you. That’s because the Cards prefer to leave the role somewhat open-ended, even if Jordan Hicks is likely to get a bulk of the opportunities. Andrew Miller will factor into the ninth-inning mix as well, particularly if it’s a spot where a prolific left-handed bat (or two) looms.

Then there are a pair of wild cards -- Alex Reyes and Carlos Martinez. Both starters could find fits in the bullpen, and both possess repertoires that would make them weapons wherever they’re deployed. It’s not a stretch to see either closing games.

One of the reasons the Cards are comfortable considering Reyes and Martinez for bullpen roles is because of the wealth of big league ready starting pitching the organization boasts. Could it be better with the addition of someone like Dallas Keuchel? Without question. Name a rotation that wouldn’t be. But for the time being, the Cardinals don’t feel inclined to pour resources into signing another starter.

The battle for the team’s final rotation spot will remain a four-man competition for another week, at which time the club will begin to narrow the field. John Gant or Dakota Hudson is likely to win the job and slot in behind Miles Mikolas, Jack Flaherty, Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright. Austin Gomber and Daniel Ponce de Leon add to that depth. Martinez, barring another setback, could build up to start by May. And Reyes hasn’t been ruled out as a starting option for later this season.

It’s the sort of depth that is the envy of so many other clubs.

It’s likely not all that high, or else the Cards would have explored this more over the offseason. Jedd Gyorko’s fit is an interesting one. It’s hard to envision him getting regular playing time on an infield with four set starters, yet he’s been underwhelming as a pinch-hitter (.239/.312/.358) in his career. Keep in mind this bit of context, too: Gyorko is due to earn $13 million this season.

Gyorko’s contract status makes it almost certain that he’ll be on the Opening Day roster -- and perhaps at the expense of camp standouts Tyler O’Neill or Yairo Munoz. How Gyorko handles a part-time role could dictate whether he sticks in St. Louis through the season.

Drawing conclusions from spring stats may be tempting, but it’s ultimately a precarious exercise. However, there can be observations gleaned from watching the process, and that’s where Albert’s fingerprints are slowly showing. In its simplest form, Albert’s philosophy centers around contact and cutting down on strikeouts without sacrificing power.

Power hasn’t necessarily been evident this spring, but the club did enter Tuesday with the second fewest strikeouts (234) of any team. That’s an encouraging trend line. On a micro level, Paul DeJong and O’Neill are two players who have really taken to Albert’s approach. We’ll be able to better measure any impact the first-year hitting coach is having as the season goes along.

Good observation. Matt Carpenter seems to be in a great spot this spring. For one, he’s finally enjoying a healthy spring. His work at third base -- and specifically with his throwing motion -- appears to have him in a good place defensively. And he’s been hitting the ball with authority since early in Grapefruit League play. He is nearing regular-season form.

Though not listed in the organization’s prospect rankings, first baseman Rangel Ravelo, 26, has had a terrific camp. He’s been strong defensively and upped his average to .382 with another hit on Tuesday. Infielders Tommy Edman and Edmundo Sosa have made favorable impressions, as well.

On the pitching side, starter Jake Woodford turned plenty of heads before being reassigned to Minor League camp on Monday. Look for him to open the season in the Triple-A Memphis rotation.