That’s a Winner! The Cardinals began their 126th season of play in the National League with a 4-3 win.
It wasn’t looking so good in the 8th inning but the Cardinals prevailed. Oh, in relief, struggled but you know what, he also got the win. Put it in the bank and be happy. Speaking of happy, it sure is fun to feel happy for Jose Martinez. His story, as most know, is being a lifelong minor leaguer of 10 years, winning the PCL batting title, being released and now picked up by the Cardinals and making the opening day roster.
One Achilles last night was the inability to get runners in from scoring position. I think the Cardinals were like 0-for-10 before Grichuk drove in the winning run. Randall Grichuk had a good game with a two run homer and a drive off the wall to produce the winning run.
Hey, how about that Carlos Martinez? He was the youngest Cardinal to start Opening Day since 24‐year‐old Joe Magrane in 1989 (also started 1988 and 1990 ODs). Is also the first OD start by a Dominican‐born Cardinal. He was fantastic all night long. He didn’t let anything phase him as he pumpred strikes and kept the Cubs hitters off stride all night long.
One of the concerns early was the body language of Kolten Wong. He didn’t get any hits after replacing Jedd Gyorko. The camera on him in the dugout showed how far down Wong is right now about his play.
Molina was honored by the fans for his new contract of $60M for 3 years. He probably is getting paid for what he has done more than what he will do but that is fine. He is and will be a key to the Cardinals while in a players uniform and well beyond in whatver capacity they find for him.
Here are some of the recent transactions by the Cardinals:
March 31: Optioned C Alberto Rosario and INF Wilfredo Tovar to Memphis (AAA).
March 30: Placed RHP’s John Gant (right groin), Alex Reyes (right elbow surgery),
Trevor Rosenthal (right lat strain) and LHP Tyler Lyons (right knee) on the 10‐day dis‐
abled list. Recalled RHP Sam Tuivailala from Memphis (AAA).
March 29: Placed LHP Zach Duke (left elbow) on the 60‐day disabled list; purchased
the contract of C Eric Fryer from Memphis (AAA); re‐assigned INF Paul DeJong, RHP
Arturo Reyes
Note of interest: The Clevelnd Indians released their #17 top prospect Tim Cooney after missing last season with injury. Cooney was selected in the free agent draft in Noember from the Cardinals.
Minor Leagues:
Memphis Redbirds (AAA) begin action on Thursday, April 6th on the road as they face New Orleans at 7 PM. Once starters are announced we will let you know.
Springfield (AA) is also on the road at Frisco with the game being scheduled for 7PM on April 6th.
Palm Beach (High A) is at St. Lucie on April 6th for a 6:30 contest.
Peoria (Low A) begins their season in Burlington on April 6th for a 6:30 start time.
The Rest of the Series:
Tue., April 4: vs. CUBS: Adam Wainwright (13‐9, 4.62 in 2016) vs. Jake Arrieta (8‐10, 4.13 in ‘16) 7:15 p.m.*
Wed., April 5: vs. CUBS: Lance Lynn (DNP in 2016) vs. John Lackey (11‐8, 3.35 in 2016) 12:45 p.m.*
Thu., April 6: OPEN DATE
A bit of History:
OPENING DAY, 1950: In the first ever Major League season‐opening night game, the Cardinals defeated the Pi‐rates, 4‐2, before 20,871 fans at Sportman’s Park on April 18, 1950, the largest crowd ever for an opener in St. Louis at the time…Red Schoendienst and Stan Musial each homered, while Joe Garagiola’s single in the 6th
broke a 2‐2 tie…Gerry Staley pitched a complete game.
