The St. Louis Cardinals are now well into spring training with pitchers throwing live batting practice to hitters. Here are the latest developments from multiple media outlets over the last 72 hours.
The Jupiter Complex
Yahoo Sports reports that the Cardinals may move their spring training home from Jupiter as early as next year. The main problem, according to Yahoo, is an exodus of other teams from the area which requires longer travel times to play opposing teams. According to the Palm Beach Post, the Cardinals new complex could be near Orlando where the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, and Houston Astros play.
Intraquad Game
Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that Manager Mike Matheny has not determined when he will hold an intrasquad game. Matheny has said he will schedule on intrasquad game before the Grapefruit League opener on Saturday.
Garcia’s Shoulder
One of the most pressing questions of spring training is the health of left-handed starting pitcher Jaime Garcia. Langosch reports that Garcia felt good after throwing live batting practice yesterday.
Wainwright Extension
Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that talks between Adam Wainwright and the front office are “paused”, though lines of communication remain open. Strauss also states that the talks are taking on a much more cordial tone than the failed talks between the club and Albert Pujols within the same timeframe.
An Absent Martinez
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Carlos Martinez is still not at the Jupiter Complex due to visa problems in the Dominican Republic. Martinez was a real longshot to make the big league club before his arrival was delayed, and now he seems certain to begin the year in AA or AAA.
Fifth Rotation Spot
Today the competition for the fifth spot in the starting rotation will continue when Trevor Rosenthal throws to hitters for live batting practice. According to Goold, Rosenthal will throw to Jon Jay, Allen Craig, Daniel Descalso, Oscar Taveras, and Cody Stanley. Many Cardinals fans would pay good money to see the matchup of Ronsenthal, possibly the hardest thrower in the Cardinals system, against the hitting phenom Oscar Taveras.
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