Cardinals 2011 schedule highlights

As the 2010 season winds down, the Cardinals have only a sliver of hope remaining. Most eyes are trained on Albert Pujols as he chases after another MVP award and Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter as they fight for the Cy Young again. Jaime Garcia has been equally as impressive, but Cards nation holds its breath as he moves forward with his tired arm. From a team perspective, this season is over. The Cardinals threw away a golden opportunity with poor and inconsistent play all season.

So, the focus shifts to next year. Next year holds a new start and an optimistic attitude for every team in baseball. St. Louis will get another chance to win the division and play in the postseason next year. New leadership and some new players could be part of the new season too. Next year holds excitement and anticipation in the face of this year’s disappointment.

What games will highlight the Cards 2011 season? Check it out after the jump

For Starters

The Cards open at home against the San Diego Padres Thursday, March 31. The season is getting started early to prevent the World Series from going into November. The Cards follow that three-game set with a visit from the Pirates to open division play. After that, the Cards travel to the West Coast for a ten-game trip with series against San Francisco, Arizona, and Los Angeles.

The Division

St. Louis plays three home weekend series with the Cubs, including the final home series of the season, and travels to Wrigley Field twice for 15 games overall. The Cards will play the Brewers 18 times, the most of any division opponent. The Reds will face off with the Cards for the first time in 2011 April 22. The new rivals meet 15 times. The team plays Pittsburgh 16 times and Houston 15 times.

Rough Stuff

The Cardinals have a pretty tough schedule for the season. The team they see most outside the division is the Philadelphia Phillies, the two-time defending NL champs and favorites in 2010. St. Louis meets Philadelphia for nine games — five at home and four on the road. The NL Central is matched up with the AL East for Interleague Play. St. Louis will play in Baltimore for the first time ever in their series with the Orioles from June 28-30. From there, they go to St. Petersburg to face the Rays, a top team in baseball all year in 2010. Tampa Bay will likely be among the best in baseball next season. The Cards also face the Royals twice and the Blue Jays once during the Interleague schedule. Notably, the Cards duck the Yankees and Red Sox. Good for the record but a missed opportunity for some fun historical matchups with two of baseball’s great franchises.

The Cardinals also play at home Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day Weekend.

The Cards finish the year at Houston September 28.

Cards fans can only hope that game will be meaningful, either in the standings or as a tuneup for the playoffs.