JUPITER, Fla. — On the third day of the spring schedule, there’s already a few rewards being handed out, if the lineup is any sign of manager Tony La Russa’s March meritocracy.

After receiving a “had a good day” nod for his play Friday against the New York Mets, second-year infielder Brendan Ryan is back in the lineup, starting at third. After expressing an interest and doing the extracurricular work to get attention, Chris Duncan is starting at first — possibly signalling a reconsideration of his place in the backup first base depth chart.

And after appearing in every game so far this spring, Colby Rasmus starts.

Today, in the first Fins and Feathers game of the spring, three natural center fielders are in the outfield for the Cardinals: Skip Schumaker, Rick Ankiel and Rasmus. It’s the prospect that is actually playing center. And leading off.

An eight-game winning streak is on the line.

The Cardinals (2-0): 

1. Colby Rasmus, CF
2. Adam Kennedy, 2B
3. Joe Mather, DH
4. Chris Duncan, 1B
5. Rick Ankiel, RF
6. Jason LaRue, C
7. Skip Schumaker, LF
8. Cesar Izturis, SS
9. Brendan Ryan, 3B

Starting pitcher: RHP Todd Wellemeyer. Followed by: RHP Brad Thompson; LHP Tyler Johnson; LHP Randy Flores; RHP Chris Perez.  And the backups: RHP Kelvin Jimenez; RHP Jason Motte; and RHP Mark Worrell.

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