It's the home stretch for the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals in Grapefruit League play, as Mike Matheny's team gets ready to open the 2012 season.
Here's how the schedule looks for the Cards this week:
Monday: vs. Mets, 12:05 p.m. CT
Tuesday: no game scheduled
Wednesday: vs. Tigers, 12:05 p.m. CT
Thursday: at Marlins, 12:05 p.m. CT
Friday: vs. Mets, 12:05 p.m. CT
Saturday: at Nationals, 12:05 p.m. CT
While Grapefruit League games aren't the most exciting thing in the world to watch, there's plenty for Cards fans to keep an eye out for this week. Adam Wainwright is as close to must-see Grapefruit League TV as there is so far, as the rehabbing ace has yet to give up a run as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery.
Cards fans should also keep an eye out on Lance Lynn this week, as he's likely going to be holding Chris Carpenter's rotation spot for awhile this season.
Jake Westbrook, who makes his fourth start of the spring on Monday, is also worth watching, as he's yet to allow an earned run this spring. Westbrook, who shed 15-20 pounds over the winter, has allowed just six hits while walking three and striking out nine in 12 innings of work so far.
For more on the Cardinals, be sure to head over to Viva El Birdos and join the discussion.