Rants Daily: Wainwright throws BP session

Just over a year ago Adam Wainwright was on Field 3 throwing a harmless BP session. He walked off the mound holding his elbow and wondering when he would be able to pitch again. Yesterday, on the same field he threw another BP and he came out of it just fine.

The first major step was getting through the bullpen sessions and now he’s thrown batting practice. Each step seems small, but the larger goal of getting on the mound for a game is creeping closer.  We’ll have to see how he feels today. Up until yesterday he has not felt any soreness, so it is expected that he will be fine today. All signs point to Wainwright making a successful return to the mound for a full slate of Grapefruit League games. Wainwright says he has not been pushing himself too hard and is letting things flow naturally. The Cardinals must be happy with his progress, but until he throws a pitch in a game situation, we really don’t know how far along he truly is.

CARDINALS CONFIDENT IN DRUG TESTING PROGRAM

Despite the fact that the MLB program for testing of performance-enhancing drugs has been shown to have an issue with maintaining protocols for assuring the tests are not compromised, some of the Cardinals still have confidence in the program, according to MLB.com reporter Jenifer Langosch.

There is not much the players can do other than stay clean and be wise about what they put into their bodies. Ask J.C. Romero who was suspended for 50 games two seasons ago for failing a drug test after taking a supplement. It was later determined that the supplements he ingested were tainted.

FULL-SQUAD WORKOUTS BEGIN

Yesterday marked the first day that the entire squad was on the field for workouts. In addition to Wainwright, Jason Motte, Shelby Miller and Kyle McClellan were among the eight pitchers who threw BP.

The hitting groups were mixed with veterans and young players. The most interesting group was Carlos Beltran, Jon Jay, Daniel Descalso, Shane Robinson and Bryan Anderson. Beltran is hoping to make a good first impression as the “replacement” for Albert Pujols. Jay is looking to maintain hold on the center field position, which he may cede some starts to Beltran. Descalso is fighting for the second base job, one which could come down to who has a better spring at the plate.

According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Ozzie Smith arrived at camp this morning just after the workouts had begun. Jaime Garcia and Kyle Lohse will be on the mound today throwing their first live BP sessions. This season is important for both pitchers. Garcia is looking to take the next step in his career, one which will hopefully see him last longer into games. Lohse, 33, is in the final year of his contract, so for him being productive is tantamount to his chances of receiving one last multi-year contract.

MINI PROSPECT CAMP OPENS TODAY

Carlos Martinez will be the main attraction for pitchers when early camp for prospects begins today. This camp is specifically designed for 25 minor league prospects, who will receive more attention from coaches. On the hitting side is OF Oscar Taveras.

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