Spring Training

St. Louis Cardinals are starting up their Spring training for the first big game against the Miami Marlins on March 5th. Why wait 6 or 7 weeks? Well, a lot of work is focused on pitching. With two players trying to heal from the 2014 season, the Cardinals don’t want to start them too soon, but at the same time they need to get them up to the 100 pitch mark.

Cardinals manager, Mike Matheny, is focusing on different skills they can use in the next season. There is stress on the athletes to succeed, and the players are feeling the stress.

Let’s recap to last year’s season for the Cardinals.

Unfortunately the Cardinals suffered a loss in their team when Oscar Taveras, “El Fenómeno” (‘The Phenomenon’ in Spanish), died on October 26 at age 22 in a tragic car accident.

There have been injuries within this team, but they hope to recover quickly for the regular season. Adam Wainwright’s, pitcher, elbow needed surgery, and the managers want him to take the spring season easy. Michael Wacha, pitcher, also injured his shoulder. His stress reaction behind his right shoulder caused him to miss much of last year. They have yet to have him go through surgery though. Kevin Siegriest’s, pitcher, season last year was hard for him due to a torn muscle. He has undergo surgery, and the managers want him to take it easy with upcoming spring training.

If Wainwright and Wacha’s injuries aren’t cleared, Carlos Martinez will be under some pressure pitching. The Cardinals also have Trevor Rosenthal to think about since last season he allowed too many walks. Question is: Will they still put him in after last season?

Our best hitter Jon Jay fought Peter Bourjos for the center field and became our best hitter. If he bats well, he could possibly do it again.

The question people are waiting to be answered in spring training: Who will be the backup infielder for the Cardinals? Will it be holdover Pete Kozma or Greg Garcia? Or will they go with the newcomers, Dean Anna or Ty Kelly?

New things to come for the Cardinals in the upcoming season, and hard decisions they will have to make if their players are not off the DL.