The race for the Cardinals' closer job lost an entry for more than a week when hard-throwing right-hander Chris Perez was set back by shoulder issues. 

--CF Rick Ankiel, who had been homerless for the spring, hit home runs in back-to-back games on March 19-20 against the defending league champions, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. 

After re-signing RHP Kyle Lohse the day after the 2008 season, re-upping C Jason LaRue not long after that and trading for SS Khalil Greene, the Cardinals did little this offseason other than changing their quartet of left-handed relievers. 

The race for the Cardinals' closer job lost an entry for more than a week when hard-throwing right-hander Chris Perez was set back by shoulder issues. 

--CF Rick Ankiel, who had been homerless for the spring, hit home runs in back-to-back games on March 19-20 against the defending league champions, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. 

After re-signing RHP Kyle Lohse the day after the 2008 season, re-upping C Jason LaRue not long after that and trading for SS Khalil Greene, the Cardinals did little this offseason other than changing their quartet of left-handed relievers. 

John Maine took another step toward being ready for the regular season, throwing 95 pitches in the New York Mets' 9-5 win over the St. 

After re-signing RHP Kyle Lohse the day after the 2008 season, re-upping C Jason LaRue not long after that and trading for SS Khalil Greene, the Cardinals did little this offseason other than changing their quartet of left-handed relievers. 

The race for the Cardinals' closer job lost an entry for more than a week when hard-throwing right-hander Chris Perez was set back by shoulder issues. 

--CF Rick Ankiel, who had been homerless for the spring, hit home runs in back-to-back games on March 19-20 against the defending league champions, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. 

Dennys Reyes made his debut in a St. 

You want optimism, but don't have much time? Let Dayn Perry tell you how your team can win the World Series . 

2009 St. 

2009 St. 

2009 St.