St. Louis-Milwaukee: Edmonds, Lohse headline opener

The Cardinals begin a three-game set in Milwaukee tonight before the team goes home to St. Louis to open the 2010 festivities at Busch Stadium. After taking two of three from the Reds, the Cardinals will try to win another series against a division rival. The Brewers are also 2-1 after its opener.

Jim Edmonds adds some intrigue to tonight’s game. He will start in right field and bat sixth for the Brewers. The former Cardinals favorite and veteran major leaguer is making a comeback after a year away from the game. His comeback was sparked by a friendly encounter between Edmonds and Tony La Russa at a charity event during the offseason. Edmonds told La Russa he wanted to play again if his old skipper would have him on this Cards club. After talking with Jim, the Cardinals decided to pass on him and wish him luck in his comeback try. He didn’t fit in on this club that was already set and didn’t have a need for another veteran. Edmonds was then picked up by the Brewers and made the club this spring. After a couple games, it seems the “old man” still has something left in the tank. He will make his third start in four games tonight.

On the Cardinals side, all eyes will be on Kyle Lohse. The righty makes his first start of the season. After struggling through 2009, Lohse will try to bounce back. He was 6-10 after a career year in 2008 in which he won 15 games. If he can return to that form, the Cards will be in great shape with its rotation. So far, every starter has been outstanding for St. Louis. The other storyline to watch will be the bullpen which has been less than stellar and lost the series finale in Cincinnati.

The lineup Cards for Friday night’s tilt:

Cardinals

1. Schumaker, 2b

2. Ludwick, rf

3. Pujols, 1b

4, Holliday, lf

5. Rasmus, cf

6. Molina, c

7. Freese, 3b

8. Ryan, ss

9. Lohse, p

Milwaukee

Weeks 2b

Gomez cf

Braun lf

Fielder 1b

McGehee 3b

Edmonds rf

Zaun c

Escobar ss

Bush p

Another great night for Cardinals baseball. Kick the weekend off with Albert and Co. for the first time in 2010.