--Cardinals pitchers, paced by seven strikeouts from RHP Adam Wainwright, had 11 total in Monday's game. That was the most in a season opener since 2002.

--RHP Kyle McClellan was one of the surprises of the 2008 season as a rookie reliever for the Cardinals but was one of the disappointments of the spring. After a brilliant first four months in his career last year, McClellan, probably tiring in the course of working in 68 games, had a 5.59 earned run average for August and a 12.27 ERA for September. It wasn't much better this spring as McClellan, a candidate for the rotation if Chris Carpenter had faltered, had a 9.60 ERA in 17 innings and walked eight.

--RHP Chris Perez, the closer at the end of last season, was sent to Class AAA although he might not be there long, if RHPs Kyle McClellan and Brad Thompson struggle. Perez missed two weeks because of some shoulder discomfort and, after he returned, the club was concerned about putting stress on him too early.

--2B Skip Schumaker, a converted outfielder, made six errors this spring, counting one against Class AAA Memphis on Saturday. "I know I'm still very much a work in progress, for sure," Schumaker said.

--RHP Chris Carpenter, who hasn't won a game for the Cardinals since the 2006 World Series, will make his first start this season on Thursday at home against Pittsburgh. Carpenter has been troubled by elbow and shoulder problems the last two seasons.

BY THE NUMBERS: 12 -- Players on the 2009 opening-day roster who were on the opening-night roster in 2008.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Maybe he's trying to do too much or something. I don't know. Whatever it is, he'd better try to get it changed." -- Pitching coach Dave Duncan on the struggles of RHP Kyle McClelan.