“It was exciting. I felt like I was on stage or something," Adam Wainwright said after pitching live batting practice in Monday's training camp.
The first day of the Cardinals training camp is over. KMOX's Sports Director Tom Ackerman is down in Jupiter, Florida reporting on the team and relaying news back to St. Louis. Kevin Wheeler, Chris Rongey, and Amy Marxkors spoke with Ackerman on Monday night's Sports Open Line (which can be heard in full above).
After expressing how great it felt to be back in the swing of things, Ackerman said there is a different vibe to the camp knowing it's been abbreviated due to the lockout:
"It definitely feels like they are pushing themselves right into action. They have a schedule in place because they've got to find innings for everybody, and it's a bit of a scramble," Ackerman explained.
One of the pitchers getting in his reps was Adam Wainwright. "He was just a performer today," Ackerman says of Waino's pitching during batting practice.
Wainwright was seen pumping his fist, playing to the crowd, and even throwing his glove at Nolan Arenado after giving up a homer to the third baseman. "Adam Wainwright talking today reminded me how much I'm gonna miss that guy following games. He is just incredible when it comes to storytelling, understanding questions, listening, and giving great answers," Ackerman said of Waino's conversation with the media.
Right handed pitcher Alex Reyes is present in Jupiter but did not throw Monday. Reyes says he has mild shoulder soreness, but hopes to be ready to throw in a couple of days. President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak says they will be taking an "extended look" at the potential injury. Reyes has yet to throw off a mound.
Yadier Molina and Giovanny Gallegos were not at camp due to personal reasons, and Génesis Cabrera was absent due to travel issues.
KMOX is your home for the Cardinals and will provide preseason coverage all month long. KMOX will also broadcast all Cardinals spring training games on 1120AM and 98.7FM:
3/18 vs HOU 11:55
3/20 @ NYM 12:00
3/21 @ WAS 4:55
3/22 vs MIA 11:55
3/23 @ HOU 11:55
3/25 vs WAS 11:55
3/26 vs MIA 11:55
3/27 @ NYM 12:00
3/28 vs HOU 11:55
3/30 @ WAS 11:55
3/31 @ MIA 5:30
4/1 vs NYM 11:55
4/2 @ HOU 4:55
4/4 vs WAS 11:55
4/5 @ MIA 9:55