Tomorrow in St Louis the Roxs begin their defense of the NL pennant. Francis takes the mound against Wainwright at 2:15 PM. The Roxs are 8 - 7 in season openers. This is the only second March game in Roxs history (we won 9-2). They lost in extra innings to the D-backs last year. Obviously they begin the year on the road with the home opener on Friday against the D-backs (again!). Francis was 2 - 0 last year against St Louis.
I think it is important for the Roxs to get back into the saddle. The Roxs have an April record of 159 - 180 (86 - 86 at home and 73 - 94 away). Only 4 Aprils have had a winning record in Rox history. To prove to themselves that they belong, put some fear in their divisional foes that last year wasn't a fluke, and to lessen any sort of media pressure that befalls them if they start slow.
The Roxs Roster:
Starting Pitchers: Francis, Cook, Jimenez, Morales, and Redman
Relief Pitchers: Bowie, Buchholz, Corpas, Fuentes, Herges, Vizcaino, and Wells
Catchers: Torrealba and Iannetta
Infield: Atkins, Tulo, Nix, Helton, and Barmes
Outfield: Holliday, Taveras, Hawpe, Baker, Spilborghs, and Podsednik
Surprises...not much except maybe Podsednik and Bowie. I imagine Sullivan will be back up in the bigs by mid summer. Redman in the 5th spot isn't a big deal versus Hirsh. It drops the Roxs into an 81 - 87 win range. Again the big questions for the season is the pitching and relief and can Nix be the answer offensively at 2B.
Enough Talk...Play Ball!
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