It’s been a long 5 months. A LONG 5 months. Months of questioning, remembering, analyzing. What was good? What was bad? What or who could have been changed/traded for/fixed? All that aside, we’re almost there, we’ve almost made it! Come tomorrow at this time, we will have witnessed the beginning of the 2014 season!
I’m not one of those know-all-the-info-before-it-comes-out kind of people. I’ve been trying to pay attention as well as I can to all the Cardinals’ off-season news, but the truth is, I’m sure I missed some of it. The one thing I do know: I am sincerely, incredibly, over-the-top excited for the start of Cardinals’ baseball season tomorrow!
Let’s break some stuff down that I do know:
1. Wainwright is a solid opening day starter. 5 out of the last 6 seasons, Waino has won at least 14 games. Plus, he’s a good guy that’s easy to like. After signing a long-term contract last year, he’s stable, and as long as he can stay healthy, he’s money.
2. Peralta starting at short IS a good thing. Yeah, yeah, I read all the reports, I know the controversy, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s a solid short. In his career, he has a batting average of .268 and OBP of .330. He also has a 1.000 fielding percentage over the last two seasons with Detroit. Also, if you’re a glass half-full kinda person, he’s got one controversy under his belt. Here’s to hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice…
3. The addition of Bourjos to the outfield is super exciting. Big things were expected from this guy in Anaheim, so much so, I heard a rumor (I have no idea of the validity of this rumor, but I might as well mention it) that when Trout came up, he was suppose to play in Centerfield, but that position was given to Bourjos instead. With a following behind him such as the Cardinal faithful, we can hope for great things from him.
4. The overall starting rotation is killer. Metaphorically speaking, of course. With the starters of Wainwright, Wacha, Lynn, Kelly and Miller (in no particular order) we know we can expect good things. Then, there’s the bullpen with Rosenthal, Choate, Maness, Martinez, and Seigrist returning; the pitching in St. Louis will (hopefully) be talked about for many years to come. Side note: others in the bullpen include Butler and Neshek.
5. Yadi is ready to claim the MVP this year. Now, this one, I have no data to give you. Instead, I have nothing but pure belief of this actually happening. So close last year, so close. Plus he’s awesome, and I like him, and that’s just what’s going to happen.
There, my friends, are my top five points to get you through tonight and until 3:10 tomorrow. Although I did not mention them above, I would be remissed not to mention that I’m also looking forward to getting some Adams-, Wong-, Carpenter-, Holliday-, and Craig-time in tomorrow. It’s just about time, we’ll make it!
As always…Go Cards!
Photo: Dayton Daily News
