Baseball is back

The defending World Series champion Cardinals reported to Spring Training in Jupiter, Fla., today to kick off the 2007 season. The first pitchers-and-catchers workout is set for Thursday. Remaining players report on Monday, with the first full-squad workout set for Tuesday. Of course, many other teams are reporting to Spring Training this week, but why focus on anything else but the Cardinals.

The Cards are looking to repeat as World Series Champions which hasn't been accomplished for time. It's been even longer since anyone won back-to-back National League pennants -- the last to do so was the Braves in 1995-96. Simply reaching the postseason would make seven times in eight years for that feat, and the first time in franchise history to go to the playoffs four straight seasons.

So there's plenty on the line when the Cards report to Roger Dean Stadium on Florida's southeast coast. They're starting early, because the regular season starts early for them. The Cardinals and Mets begin the 2007 season on Sunday, April 1, a day earlier than most teams. Therefore, the Cards will report and begin working out earlier than most.

The Cards begin exhibition spring games on February 26th.