JUPITER, Fla. — Opening Day and the opening home stand is clearly on the Cardinals mind as they begin the sprint toward Springfield this afternoon against Washington. Today’s game against the Nationals forces Braden Looper to a minor-league game — he’s facing the Nats on his first turn of the regular season. And today’s starter for the Nationals, lefty Odalis Perez, allows the Cardinals to test-drive their Opening Day lineup.
Give or take a couple players.
Also, some numbers to keep in mind as you peruse the lineup below: 13-for-20, five home runs, 15 RBIs, a 1.500 slugging percentage and only one strikeout.
That is Albert Pujols’ line against Perez.
It does not include the 2004 playoffs.
THE CARDINALS
- Skip Schumaker, RF
- Brian Barton, LF
- Albert Pujols, 1B
- Troy Glaus, 3B
- Rick Ankiel, CF
- Jason LaRue, C … (Yadier Molina on opening day)
- Aaron Miles, 2B
- Anthony Reyes, RHP … (Adam Wainwright on opening day)
- Cesar Izturis, SS
The bullpen is stocked with LHP Ron Villone, LHP Randy Flores, RHP Ryan Franklin, RHP Jason Isringhausen, RHP Kelvin Jimenez, RHP Hugo Castellanos.
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