JUPITER, Fla. -- The Cardinals' quest to defend their World Series title will turn a bit more tangible on Monday, as the club takes the field for its first game since clinching the franchise's 11th championship. The results of Monday's 12:05 p.m. CT home contest against the Marlins won't be all that consequential, but the game will officially commence a 28-game slate of Grapefruit League games. That is all that separates the Cardinals from the start of the 2012 season. "They're kind of champing at the bit now," manager Mike Matheny said. "They've done their work, and they've prepared. I've just been so impressed. I think they all feel like their bodies are ready, their swings are ready, their arms are ready. That was the goal." 
Matheny on meeting with players 00:01:25 Cardinals manager Mike Matheny addresses his meeting with the players as the veterans and new players compete for jobs Tags: Mike Matheny, Grapefruit League, St. Louis Cardinals, interview, Spring Training
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Matheny knows the Cardinals way
Justice from Cardinals' camp
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Sunday's rain-shortened workout wrapped up 15 days of official workouts for the Cardinals. For Matheny the last two weeks have been multifold. He has asserted himself in his new position and has gotten a first-hand look at not only his 2012 players, but some of the pieces of the organization's future. Having never managed a game in even the Minors before being named Tony La Russa's successor, Matheny will make his managerial debut in this Grapefruit League opener. In the other dugout will be new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen. The first pitch of the Cardinals' spring season will be thrown by Kyle Lohse, who is expected to toss the first two innings. He'll be opposed by Marlins righty Josh Johnson, who, because of a back injury, made his final 2011 appearance in May. Lohse will be followed by projected Triple-A starter Brandon Dickson, then a string of relievers. Matheny has not divulged his full lineup for Monday, though he did confirm that some of the core position players will be in it. That includes Carlos Beltran, who will serve as the designated hitter. In these early Grapefruit League games, position players -- especially those who are already established in the Majors -- do not typically play for more than half the game. Matheny also noted that the most tenured players will often not have to make some of the longer bus rides if they feel they can get their necessary work in at the Cardinals' spring complex. Giving veterans that type of flexibility has been standard with the club in the past. "I know what that means to a veteran player," Matheny said. "A lot of those things have gone well in the past." The start of the Grapefruit League season also ushers in a more acute focus to a few Spring Training battles. The competition for the starting second-base job is one of those battles that will develop over the next few weeks. Three candidates -- Tyler Greene, Skip Schumaker and Daniel Descalso -- are in the mix, meaning that Matheny will have to be clever in divvying up playing time so that all three can showcase themselves. Schumaker and Descalso will also be used elsewhere on the field, as their versatility is something the Cardinals do not want to minimize. Grapefruit League play will also lead to clarity regarding the construction of the bench. There is a three-man battle among Koyie Hill, Tony Cruz and Bryan Anderson for the backup catcher's job, and another two bench spots seem to be up for grabs. Allen Craig's continued recovery from offseason knee surgery will also be worth monitoring. He
Matheny on meeting with players 00:01:25 Cardinals manager Mike Matheny addresses his meeting with the players as the veterans and new players compete for jobs Tags: Mike Matheny, Grapefruit League, St. Louis Cardinals, interview, Spring TrainingShare:
Email Related Video
Matheny knows the Cardinals way Justice from Cardinals' camp Mozeliak on Cards' offseason • Spring Training tickets
• Travel packages
• Spring Training schedule
Sunday's rain-shortened workout wrapped up 15 days of official workouts for the Cardinals. For Matheny the last two weeks have been multifold. He has asserted himself in his new position and has gotten a first-hand look at not only his 2012 players, but some of the pieces of the organization's future. Having never managed a game in even the Minors before being named Tony La Russa's successor, Matheny will make his managerial debut in this Grapefruit League opener. In the other dugout will be new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen. The first pitch of the Cardinals' spring season will be thrown by Kyle Lohse, who is expected to toss the first two innings. He'll be opposed by Marlins righty Josh Johnson, who, because of a back injury, made his final 2011 appearance in May. Lohse will be followed by projected Triple-A starter Brandon Dickson, then a string of relievers. Matheny has not divulged his full lineup for Monday, though he did confirm that some of the core position players will be in it. That includes Carlos Beltran, who will serve as the designated hitter. In these early Grapefruit League games, position players -- especially those who are already established in the Majors -- do not typically play for more than half the game. Matheny also noted that the most tenured players will often not have to make some of the longer bus rides if they feel they can get their necessary work in at the Cardinals' spring complex. Giving veterans that type of flexibility has been standard with the club in the past. "I know what that means to a veteran player," Matheny said. "A lot of those things have gone well in the past." The start of the Grapefruit League season also ushers in a more acute focus to a few Spring Training battles. The competition for the starting second-base job is one of those battles that will develop over the next few weeks. Three candidates -- Tyler Greene, Skip Schumaker and Daniel Descalso -- are in the mix, meaning that Matheny will have to be clever in divvying up playing time so that all three can showcase themselves. Schumaker and Descalso will also be used elsewhere on the field, as their versatility is something the Cardinals do not want to minimize. Grapefruit League play will also lead to clarity regarding the construction of the bench. There is a three-man battle among Koyie Hill, Tony Cruz and Bryan Anderson for the backup catcher's job, and another two bench spots seem to be up for grabs. Allen Craig's continued recovery from offseason knee surgery will also be worth monitoring. He
