The Cardinals opened their Grapefruit League play with a win over the New York Mets today by the score of 7-0.  After yesterday’s beating of St. Louis University, the Cards are now 2-0 in the early going.
I was at the opener for the second straight year.  It’s a fun time to be a Cardinal fan.  A fresh season brings new hope.  Although the Redbirds aren’t predicted to contend for the division title, I can never discard a team in the spring, especially one managed by Tony La Russa.

It was cold in Jupiter today.  With the temperature only getting into the [...]

Shortly after the Cardinals learned of a warrant being issued for the arrest of utility man Scott Spiezio, the team officially released him.  Sources say that Spiezio is wanted in Orange County, California on six different charges, including driving under the influence and assault, all stemming from an incident in late December.

Spiezio missed over a month of the 2007 season while receiving treatment for substance abuse.  It was thought that he had gotten past those problems and was ready to take back his role with the ‘08 squad.

“I was out of control for a while,” Spiezio said late [...]

Tomorrow is the big day.  It’s the first Spring Training game for the Cardinals.  They’ll play Saint Louis University at Roger Dean Stadium Wednesday afternoon.  Mitchell Boggs is scheduled to start, and pitch two innings.  P.J. Walters, Clayton Mortensen, and Jamie Garcia will follow, getting two innings each, with Chris Perez to pitch the final frame.  It’ll be nice to finally have some real baseball.  The first Grapefruit League game for the Cardinals will be on Thursday, at home against the Mets.  Anthony Reyes will get the start.  I’ll be at Thursday’s game and of course will share my experience [...]

There were confirmed reports from Cardinals camp today that manager Tony La Russa was quietly lobbying for Barry Bonds.  Spring Training games start this week and the home run king still remains a free agent.  There has been little interest in the 43 year old slugger, as an investigation continues with possible perjury charges hanging overhead.
La Russa discussed the notion with his coaching staff, where he received a mixed response, then took the idea to general manager John Mozeliak.

“When you look at somebody dangerous to hit behind Albert, Barry was the guy I thought of,” said La Russa. “For whatever [...]

Cardinals pitcher Anthony Reyes has a momentous opportunity in front of him in 2008.  He’s in a competition with at least two of his teammates to win one of a couple of open spots in the starting rotation.  This position is nothing new for Reyes, as he was also competing for a spot with the ‘06 and ‘07 clubs.  The difference this time around however, is that if he’s unsuccessful, he could pitch his way out of the Cardinals’ organization altogether.

Reyes, 26, was drafted by the Cards out of USC in the 15th round in 2003. He quickly moved [...]

Short post today.  I’ll point you in the right direction for a few good reads about our Birds.  As usual, Derrick Goold is blogging from Cardinals camp, and gives some insight on today’s simulated game.  Check it out here. Yesterday, Goold had a gem of a story about some of the pitchers taking a road trip to Daytona in an RV to see some NASCAR action.  It’s a must read.  If you missed it, find it here.
And if that gets you thinking about which Cardinals might be rednecks, Tim McKernan of InsideSTL.com has all the answers here.

Next, more steroid news. [...]

The Cardinals have shown a mild interest in adding another arm to the competition for the available spots in the starting rotation.  Coming into camp, three pitchers were vying for the fifth spot, at least until Mark Mulder’s return.  Now, with the news on Matt Clement, the trio of Reyes, Wellemeyer, and Thompson would be competing for two rotation slots.
According to the Joe Strauss, of the Post Dispatch, the Cardinals have contacted the agent of former Redbird Jeff Weaver.  Weaver is one on a short list of available pitchers.  Read Strauss’ article here.

I’m in favor of adding to the competition [...]

I spent some time at Cardinals camp yesterday, and as promised, I’ll use this post to share my experience.

There was more traffic than I anticipated, so I didn’t arrive at camp until 9:45.  Although it was raining when I left my place, the weather was great in Jupiter (Today I can really feel the sunburn).  I easily found a parking place in front of Roger Dean Stadium and made the short walk around to the back fields.  If you’ve never been to the complex, it’s a beautiful place to see.  Behind the stadium, there are twelve full-size ball fields, [...]

I spent a lot of time at Cardinals camp in Jupiter, Fl today, and while I finish working on a lengthy post about my experience, enjoy this old ad from ESPN.

The Cardinals signed veteran left-hander Ron Villone to a minor league contract today.  Villone, 38, is a journeyman reliever coming off a two-year stint with the New York Yankees.  St. Louis will be his 11th team since first making it to the big leagues in 1995.  For his career, Villone is 55-57, with a 4.76 Earned Run Average.  Used mostly as a reliever, he’s appeared in 580 games, with 93 starts.  He pitched 42 innings in ‘07, compiling an ERA of 4.25.  View all of his stats here.

Of course the minor league deal includes an invite to Spring Training, [...]