Good First Step

First off, let me wish you the best for your Leap Day. I guarantee it'll be the best one you've had since at least 2004.

The Cards played a major league team yesterday, taking on the Mets in their Grapefruit League opener.  If yesterday is any indication (and it probably isn't), this year may not be so bad.  (BTW, pictures from the game are here.)

The biggest news, in my book, was the performance of Anthony Reyes.  He really surpassed what I was hoping to see from him.  To throw three scoreless, not walking anyone, was a great way to get back on the radar.  The obvious caveats apply, especially the fact that Cardinal starting pitching was dominant in spring last year before slacking off in the regular season.  Still, the Mets had most of their starting lineup out there and Reyes wasn't beaten around.  It makes you think there is something to the press he's been getting this spring, and if there is..........

It appears that, at least so far, the reports of Juan Gonzalez's demise were a bit premature.  He went 2 for 3 with an RBI.  The offense as a whole was pretty strong and Colby Rasmus still is batting 1.000.  If this keeps up, it's going to be tough to send him back to AAA.

Interesting the reports of Mark Mulder's rehab.  Apparently the players are the ones singing the praises of the pitcher.   I'm not sure if that means any more or not, but it seems to be I'd rather hear that than the front office types saying that he's on schedule.

Today the Cardinals get to be in the eye of a media storm as they face Johan Santana in his Mets debut.  Today's lineup, via Bird Land:

1. Brian Barton, CF
2. Chris Duncan, LF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Troy Glaus, 3B
5. Juan Gonzalez, DH
6. Ryan Ludwick, RF
7. Yadier Molina, C
8. Aaron Miles, 2B
9. Brendan Ryan, SS

Starting pitcher: RHP Adam Wainwright. Others traveling: LHP Ron Flores, LHP Jaime Garcia, LHP Tyler Johnson, RHP Ryan Franklin, RHP Mike Parisi, RHP Tyler Herron and RHP Kyle McClellan.

Leave a comment