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Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Spring training is under way and there is less than a month until Opening Day, so it is time to learn about the Chicago Cubs’ 2014 season opponents.
The St. Louis Cardinals had the best record in the National League last year, and fell to the Boston Red Sox in the World Series for the second time in nine years. Although the Cardinals made changes to their lineup, they do not seem to be too far off.
After missing all of last season due to injuries, Rafael Furcal is now gone and replaced by Jhonny Peralta, who was signed in free agency. Peralta was suspended last season for being linked to the Biogenesis scandal.
The Cardinals traded third baseman David Freese to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for outfielder Peter Bourjos, who is expected to start in center field. Bourjos spent the last two season battling injuries, and Jon Jay will be a legitimate backup option if injuries plague Bourjos again. Matt Carpenter, who played second base in 2013, will move to third base with Kolten Wong taking over the duties at second base. Mark Ellis was also signed, and will backup Wong. The rookie Wong, made a name for himself in October during Game 4 of the World Series, when he was picked off at first base to end the game.
The Cardinals’ rotation and battery remains the same with Adam Wainwright, Shelby Miller, Michael Wacha, Lance Lynn, and Joe Kelly filling the rotation. Perennial All-Star Yadier Molina will call the pitches for them and their closer Trevor Rosenthal.
Projected Lineup
Matt Carpenter 3B
Peter Bourjos OF
Matt Holliday OF
Allen Craig OF
Matt Adams 1B
Yadier Molina Catcher
Jhonny Peralta SS
Kolten Wong 2B
Schedule
Cubs @ Cardinals, April 11-12-13
Cardinals @ Cubs, May 2-3-4
Cardinals @ Cubs, July 25-26-27
Cubs @ Cardinals, August 29-30-31
Cardinals @ Cubs, September 22-23-24
Note: The May 4 is ESPN’s Sunday night selection and most likely the only Sunday night game at Wrigley Field.
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