PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT

Many have said that "Pitchers and catchers report" are the best words of Winter. It means we have survived another Winter. Almost. It means there is hope for longer days and bluer skies. And that's probably the key: there is hope.

For Cardinal fans, there's hope for another post season run. Hopefully a longer run that losing to the wild card team in the NLCS. There's also the opening of the New Busch Stadium, which is much more like a ballpark, but I guess Busch Ballpark with all the alliteration just doesn't cut it.

The there's the pitching staff. On paper it's the best in my memory bank. Especially if dried out Sid Ponson with hair comes around, then wrap up the Central Division title now and hang a banner on the new right field wall.

Offensively, the Birds should do well. St. Louis will bring out the best in Encarnacion and maybe even some cat named Bigbie. Jim Edmonds should have a better season along with phenom Yadier. Rolen and Mr. Pujols will provide Midwest thrills. Steady Eck and Junior Spivey will gel. Only off speed stuff will keep JRod from contributing a ton. A solid bullpen led by The Wizard of Iz will allow fans to get some early shut eye when the Cardinals make their West Coast swing. And with Tony and Walt in charge, well, it doesn't get any better. For historically relevant Al "Red" Schoendiest, it will be good to see him around the park again. A final touch--Mike Shannon; the most positive announcer in the history of the sport will pump up Cardinal Nation on a daily basis.

No worries. It's all good. St. Louis Cardinal baseball-dig it!!