Fan Stop Central

The St. Louis Cardinals will have a big impact on Major League Baseball in 2009.  Not only do they have the league’s best player in Albert Pujols, but St. Louis will also be the host of the 2009 Major League All-Star Game and festivities.

Since this is the week that pitchers and catchers report, I thought we’d start by taking a look at the Cardinals’ spring training invitees.

The Cardinals pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout on Saturday, Feb. 14 and their first full-squad workout will take place Tuesday, Feb. 17. This year marks the team’s 12th year of training at their Jupiter, Fla. complex adjacent to Roger Dean Stadium.

The 2009 spring camp will feature nine players from the Cardinals minor league system participating in their first big-league camp. That list includes 2008 top draft pick Brett Wallace right-handed pitcher Jess Todd, Fernando Salas, catchers Tony Cruz, Steve Hill and Luis De La Cruz, infielder Allen Craig and outfielder Jon Jay.

Young hurlers Tyler Herron, Clayton Mortensen, Adam Ottavino and P.J. Walters, as well as catchers Bryan Anderson and Matt Pagnozzi, outfielder Colby Rasmus and third baseman David Freese, have received Major League camp invites for the second straight year.

IF Joe Thurston, C Justin Knoedler and LHP Ian Ostlund will wear the “birds on the bat” at camp after signing this offseason as minor league free agents.

The 55 players consist of 35 roster and 20 non-roster invites.

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