Preparing for Cards Spring Training: A Guide.
This excerpt is from John Denton’s Cardinals Beat newsletter. To access the complete newsletter, click here, and subscribe to receive it regularly in your inbox.
In a poignant moment from the film “Moneyball,” where former innovative A’s GM Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt) discusses a potential job interview with the Red Sox with assistant GM/data analyst Paul DePodesta (played by Jonah Hill), Beane reflects, “How can you not be romantic about baseball?”
For Cardinals enthusiasts, here’s a romantic note: Pitchers and catchers kick off their official drills at the team’s Jupiter, Fla., complex on Wednesday—Valentine’s Day! A delightful harmony for fans eagerly anticipating the return of the game after a lengthy, cold offseason.
Considering this, here’s a preview for the upcoming Cardinals Spring Training, featuring some “Frequently Asked Questions” regarding fan access, game schedules, and new players to keep an eye on:
1. **When do pitchers and catchers begin their first workout?**
– They report to the Jupiter, Fla., headquarters on Feb. 13, with their inaugural official workout scheduled for Feb. 14. This marks the initial opportunity for the 10 new pitchers to acquaint themselves and build chemistry.
2. **When is the first full-squad workout?**
– While informal drills have been ongoing for weeks, the first official full-squad workout is set for Feb. 19, providing five days of preparation before the initial Spring Training games on Feb. 24.
3. **Where is the team’s facility?**
– The Cardinals are starting their 26th season at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., shared with the Marlins. Plans for stadium and clubhouse renovations are delayed by a year due to permit issues. The stadium is located at 4751 Main Street, Jupiter, FL 33458.
4. **Can fans attend workouts?**
– Fans can watch workouts and potentially get autographs at Roger Dean Stadium’s fields from Wednesday at 9 a.m. ET onwards. Admission is free, and gates remain open during workouts. Parking is available in grassy areas beyond the outfield fences.
5. **Who are some notable new faces?**
– The roster underwent significant changes, particularly in the pitching staff, with additions like Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, Andrew Kittredge, and Keynan Middleton. Notable returns include Lance Lynn, Matt Carpenter, and Daniel Descalso from the 2011 World Series-winning squad.
6. **Which top prospects are invited to Major League camp?**
– Jordan Walker made waves in the 2023 Spring Training, earning a spot on the Opening Day roster. This year, prospects like Masyn Winn, Victor Scott II, Thomas Saggese, and Tekoah Roby aim to make a similar impact.
7. **When is the team’s first Grapefruit League game?**
– Grapefruit League play begins on Feb. 24 with split-squad games against the Marlins in Jupiter and the Mets in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
8. **Any notable spring games?**
– The Cardinals face the Red Sox, including Tyler O’Neill, on Feb. 27 and again on March 12 in Fort Myers. They also play the Twins on March 13, also in Fort Myers.
9. **What is Spring Breakout, and when are the games?**
– MLB introduces Spring Breakout from March 14-17, showcasing top prospects and Minor League talent. The Cardinals’ prospects face the Marlins’ young talent on March 15, with big league clubs playing later that night. On March 17, the Cards’ prospects take on the Astros’ top prospects.
10. **Will Cardinals Spring Training games be televised?**
– Although the TV schedule is pending, Bally Sports Midwest aims to broadcast 15 Spring Training games. The opener against the Marlins on Feb. 24 will be televised.
11. **When is the club’s last game in Florida?**
– The final Florida game is on March 24 against the Astros in West Palm Beach. However, the Cardinals play Cactus League games in Mesa, Ariz., against the Cubs on March 25-26 before the regular season opener on March 28 against the Dodgers.
12. **Details for Opening Day?**
– Following a West Coast trip, the Cardinals debut at Busch Stadium on April 4 against the Marlins, managed by 2023 NL Manager of the Year Skip Schumaker, a former Cardinal player and coach. The game starts at 3:15 p.m. CT, with 13 of the first 16 games against 2023 playoff teams.
