Cardinals start Spring Training with a loss

With the first pitch yesterday afternoon to start off Grapefruit League action, the Cardinals started their search for a starter.
Feb 19, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals player Michael Wacha (74) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Image Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Rosenthal pitched 2 innings yesterday and threw 45 pitches before being replaced in the game. In his 2 innings of spring ball, the rookie gave up 4 runs on 5 hits.

Ultimately, the Florida Marlins beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-3. The Cardinals saw some offensive production from David Freese, who hit a solo shot, and Matt Adams, who hit a 2-run RBI single.

Adams, who is feeling in for Allen Craig, is looking to use this spring to work his way into the opening day roster.

This isn’t Rosenthal’s only start so he still has some more time to show that he can get the job done should he be picked to be in the Cardinals rotation.

Michael Wacha, one of two first round draft picks in 2012, saw some action starting in the 3rd inning. He was able to get his work done in two innings on Saturday. It took him 21 pitches to do so, with only 5 pitches in his second inning of relief. Not too shabby for being one year removed from college.

Mike Matheny had some comments on Wacha:

"“His poise has been one of his greatest assets,” Matheny said. “He carries himself a lot older than he is. A couple times I’ve walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder (because) I thought it was Waino.”"

The Cardinals host the Boston Red Sox on Sunday and will start left-handed pitcher John Gast. Originally, Shelby Miller was going to start in the sold-out game but he has been dealing with a sore shoulder.

Rafael Furcal might see an at-bat against the Red Sox but he still has a long way to go until being completely recovered.

Meanwhile, Carlos Martinez still has yet to show up to camp.