St. Louis Cardinals’ Pitchers and Catchers Report February 17th

The St. Louis Cardinals have reported that the team will start their report to spring training on February 17th .

As I look out the window watching the snow melt, it’s hard to believe that spring training is just around the corner. The St. Louis Cardinals prepare the defend their National League Central title beginning on February 17, when the pitchers and catchers officially report for spring training in Jupiter, Florida. Workouts will begin the following day, with the rest of the team arriving on the 22nd.

Although, he’ll be in attendance the Cardinals defensive ace behind the plate Yadier Molina, will be focused on rehabbing his thumb. He had his second, and successful surgery on December 15th, to repair the ligaments torn in a game against the Chicago Cubs on September 20th.

This upcoming season will be daunting since the whole NL Central has improved, with three clubs making the playoffs in 2015. The Redbirds will have to bolster their offense and bullpen to hold off a hungry, young, Cubs team that looks poised to take over the division. In fact, the Cubs, are a “trendy” pick to win the NL.

Are the offseason additions of Mike Leake, Seung Hwan Oh, Jedd Gryorko enough to boost the rotation and bench. Will the rotation miss starter Lance Lynn, who will miss the entire season due to Tommy John Surgery? With a quiet offseason, right now there are as many questions as there are answers. The one on every fans mind, “is can the Cardinals win with the talented roster already in place”?

More from St Louis Cardinals News

• Cardinals Rumors: 3 pros and cons of signing Carlos Rodon
• Cardinals: Here is Willson Contreras’ first message for St. Louis fans
• How do the St. Louis Cardinals stack up with Willson Contreras?
• Cardinals: The insane asking price the Athletics had for Sean Murphy
• St. Louis Cardinals: Ask me anything with Josh Jacobs – 12/8

In this writer’s opinion, the answer is a resounding “yes”. After all, this was a 100 win team, that made it all the way to the NL Divisional Series. Not to mention, these Cardinals have qualified for the postseason in each of the previous six seasons.

Next: Fear not Rams fans, the Cardinals are still here

With a healthy roster, this is a formidable team, a perennial World Series contender. Thanks to the steady hand at the helm of skipper Mike Matheny, and an excellent front office headed by John Mozeliak; 2016 is shaping up to be another great season. Don’t forget you can catch most of the Cardinals Spring Training games on Fox Sports Midwest or MLB radio.