Gone are some of the faces of this storied franchise for the past decade: fan-favorite Albert Pujols, defecting to the Los Angeles Angels, Manager Tony La Russa, retiring after 16 years at the helm, and pitching coach Dave Duncan, taking a leave to be with his ailing wife. But some welcome new and returning faces will be seen around Roger Dean Stadium this February and March. New centerfielder Carlos Beltran and returning veterans Lance Berkman and Rafael Furcal, projected to start at first base and shortstop, respectively.
Despite the turnover, and after quite an eventful offseason, one shortened by a 2011 campaign extended deep into October, the 2012 version of the St. Louis Cardinals have few questions and few doubts that they can competively defend their World Series title. New manager Mike Matheny and new pitching coach Derek Lilliquist officially begin their new jobs today in Jupiter, Florida, as 38 pitchers and catchers report for duty.
The Starters
Fifteen pitchers will throw a bullpen session on Sunday, during the team's first official workout. Last year's Ace Chris Carpenter will be one of those. In question is how much of a workload "Carp" will receive during Spring Training. Due to injuries, he made only four appearances during Grapefruit League play last year, and then went on to throw 237-1/3 innings during the regular season and an additional 36 in the postseason.
Also included in that group of fifteen is Adam Wainwright, who missed all of the 2011 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. According to Lilliquist, Wainwright will face a regular routine and his workload will not be modified due to recovery from the surgery. Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse and Jake Westbrook will round out the starting five, with Kyle McClellan as a possible sixth, or emergency, starter.
The Bullpen
Righthander Scott Linebrink is the newest addition to the team. He appeared in 64 games for the Atlanta Braves last season. The 35-year old veteran will have to battle for a roster spot in a bullpen that is already full of righties. Linebrink will supposedly compete against Mitchell Boggs, Lance Lynn, McClellan, Fernando Salas and Eduardo Sanchez for the final spot in the 'pen. General Manager John Mozeliak was quoted as saying that "having somebody there with some experience, veteran leadership would also be an asset". Jason Motte owns the closers spot for now and J.C. Romero and Marc Rzepczynski are the current lefties in the 'pen.
Out of the 38 pitchers and catchers scheduled to begin workouts on Sunday, 16 are non-roster invitees. Those include: righties Maikel Cleto, Brandon Dickson, Chuckie Fick, Linebrink, Adam Ottavino, Adam Reifer, and lefty Samuel Freeman. Yadier Molina is the only catcher "etched in stone" to start the season on the 25-man roster. Bryan Anderson and Tony Cruz will be competing for the backup spot. Both have limited major League experience.
The first full-squad workout will be on Friday. The total number of players scheduled to be in camp on Friday is 60. Grapefruit League play will begin on March 5 against the Florida Marlins at Roger Dean. The regular season will begin for the Redbirds on April 4 against the same Marlins at their new stadium in Miami.
Source: cardinals.com
Chad Bunch - Cardinals fan, chef, Father, Husband, reader and writer. These are just a few of the adjectives and titles that describe my life. Marissa ...
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