Jack Wilson gave the Pittsburgh Pirates a dramatic opening-day victory. 

A surprisingly successful 2008 season helped revive Kyle Lohse's career enough to earn him a future with the St. 

A surprisingly successful 2008 season helped revive Kyle Lohse's career enough to earn him a future with the St. 

No one expected the Rays to reach the World Series last year. 

No. 

Reigning NL MVP Albert Pujols did everything he could to carry the Cardinals last season, but with a patchwork pitching staff beset by injuries, St. 

Reigning NL MVP Albert Pujols did everything he could to carry the Cardinals last season, but with a patchwork pitching staff beset by injuries, St. 

New York isn't the only place where the pressure's on. 

Rick Ankiel and Khalil Greene each hit a two-run homer and the St. 

--INF/OF Joe Mather, who entered spring training as the presumptive starter at third base, was optioned to Class AAA Memphis on April 2. 

The Cardinals made it through spring training with no significant pitching injuries other than the shoulder discomfort experienced by RH reliever Chris Perez, costing him two weeks of work. 

The Cardinals left spring training reasonably convinced that converted outfielder Skip Schumaker could handle second base after the club lost second basemen Felipe Lopez and Aaron Miles to free agency and divested itself of Adam Kennedy. 

--INF/OF Joe Mather, who entered spring training as the presumptive starter at third base, was optioned to Class AAA Memphis on April 2. 

The Cardinals made it through spring training with no significant pitching injuries other than the shoulder discomfort experienced by RH reliever Chris Perez, costing him two weeks of work. 

The Cardinals left spring training reasonably convinced that converted outfielder Skip Schumaker could handle second base after the club lost second basemen Felipe Lopez and Aaron Miles to free agency and divested itself of Adam Kennedy.