Thursday marked the official start of Cardinals Spring Training down in Jupiter, Florida, as pitchers and catchers were required to report for their first official workout. Here’s a look at the top news, rumors, and reports on the Redbirds from Thursday:

• Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch examines some of the vulnerabilities a strong Cardinals team has headed into the 2015 season in his Thursday column. Miklasz points out that the team’s starting pitcher depth is a little thin and that the success of the core lineup depends on success of aging veterans among his main points. Read Miklasz’s article here.
• In a separate article from Thursday, Miklasz looks into what the Cardinals should expect from newcomer Mark Reynolds this season: “The Cardinals signed Reynolds to a one-year deal for $2 million (plus incentives) for two reasons. First, the raw power that’s produced seven consecutive MLB seasons of 20+ homers. Second, his RH bat could provide balance should manager Mike Matheny want to arrange a platoon situation at first base, with Reynolds facing lefties, and Matt Adams locked in against RH pitchers. But Reynolds can also play third base, and figures to be used there when Matt Carpenter has the day off…It comes down to this: is Reynolds still capable of powering up at the Cardinals’ anticipated rate?” Read Miklasz’s full column here.
• After it was reported in December that the Cardinals and starter John Lackey would be discussing “possibly reworking” the veteran’s league-minimum 2015 salary, a recent report from Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch indicates that no resolution for a reworked 2015 contract or potential contract extension is imminent. From Hummel’s article:

Lackey, working out at a Cardinals camp for the first time Wednesday, said he would be amenable to a contract extension although he quickly added that there was “nothing close.”

“If it’s something that works for both sides. I would like it,” said the 36-year-old Lackey, who very much likes what he’s seen with the Cardinals in just the two-plus months he spent with them last August through October.

“This group of guys … this organization … it’s a great place to be and it’s something I would entertain for sure.”

• Craig Edwards of Viva El Birdos discusses why he believes Michael Wacha is the biggest wild card for the Cardinals rotation headed in 2015 in this article.
• Stan McNeal of Fox Sports Midwest takes a look at the Cardinals’ rivals in the NL Central in this article.
• Former Cardinals pitcher Kyle McClellan is back in Jupiter, Florida for Spring Training this year, but this time working in the media for KMOX radio. The St. Louis native and 2011 World Series Champion will be producing 26 32-minute podcasts this spring for the Cardinals Radio Network flagship station. Read more from the Post-Dispatch.
• Baseball America released their 2015 Prospects Rankings on Thursday and three Cardinals cracked the top 100. Marco Gonzalez is 50, Alex Reyes is 51, and Stephen Piscotty is 79.
• In two of her latest articles on Cardinals.com, Jenifer Langosch reported on how reliever Jordan Walden, acquired in the Jason Heyward deal, is ready to make a name for himself, and how Jaime Garcia is ready to go and wants to be part of the starting rotation.

On Walden:

Listed at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Walden made his first appearance at the Cardinals’ spring complex on Thursday. He introduced himself to new teammates and played catch on one of the back fields before departing for the day.

“So far, so good,” Walden said after learning his way around. “I’m just excited for the spring to start.”…”I’m very happy to be here. The Cardinals are a very good organization,” Walden said. “Wherever they want to put me, I’ll be happy with that. I just want to help these guys win.”

• Finally, in another excellent column, Bernie Miklasz discusses the lessons that can be learned from the loss of Oscar Taveras. Other Miklasz columns from Thursday: Wong could be a ’15 breakout star, Traffic jam in Cardinals outfield.

 

Feature image used under Creative Commons from Keith Allison. No changes made. Creative Commons License.