Warm Fuzzy Game Face

Sunday, April 2, 2017 was emotional, bright and early. Over the past week, the Molina extension had gone from heated topic of frustration, to worry over the crickets heard from both sides, to finally an announcement of a press conference. A huge sigh of relief exhaled from St. Louis Cards fans everywhere. Listening to the press conference, as Yadi was mentioned in the company of Stan Musial and Bob Gibson, everyone could tell this was all meant to be. Yadier Molina as a lifetime Cardinal is hands down one of the greatest accomplishments of John Mozeliak in his tenure. While we all thought of the legacy and many thought of the sentimentality, Mozeliak stated he extended this contract for performance and service of the future...Molina is healthy and ready to compete, so he's our best option still as a catcher. In the end, Mozeliak and Cards fans were both plenty pleased to have Yadi wear the birds on the bat for his whole career. Mo worked the whole business side as he does, and we got the personal side of getting to watch Yadi retire a Cardinal. And as much as Mo tried to fight it, I think I saw a little twinkle in those eyes as they were shaking hands. He's happy too for he can't help himself!

Now we move on to a few hours later, tuning in to Fox Sports Midwest for the Opening Day Ceremonies. Every year, it's magical. Our organization far and away knows how to put on a show. Hall of Famers in their red jackets, the best we've been blessed to watch as fans. The Clydesdales making their long awaited trip around the stadium. And last but certainly not least, our players. This year fans were given a bonus of sorts as the Cardinals are celebrating their 125th Anniversary as a team. A video played showing highlights through all the years...we are unbelievably lucky to have all those moments to look back on. Cue the tears. Well, for you all anyways, as my tears started with the Clydesdales.

One of my favorite parts of the whole ceremony is watching our current players with the Hall of Famers. They all seem genuinely in awe of the greatness. Smiles light up their faces. The Hall of Famers are always welcoming to every player.

Game time. Tears over for now, game face on. And goodness, did Carlos bring his game face. After writing the jersey numbers of Oscar and Yordano into the mound (it still gets to me a little), he was on fire. Carlos surprised no one by pitching well, but for Opening Day and all the emotions that go with it, he was out dueling a pitcher repeatedly called one of the best in the game by CUBS ESPN. His final line for the night was spectacular~10 strikeouts, 0 walks, 6 hits, 0 earned runs over 7.1 innings. It truly was an extraordinary first Opening Day effort by 25 year old Carlos...he was composed, steady and firing all night. I won't speak for anyone else, but I am incredibly proud of him and glad for him that all his hard work has paid off. I doubt he'll be under the radar anymore.

Honestly, this game was a battle and probably fairly indicative of what lies ahead as we face the Cubs throughout the season. Many moments followed CMart's mastery. Jose Martinez got a double, and after the game got to watch a video of his family's reaction to the hit. It's impossible not to feel the joy he brings to his game. Kolten Wong joining the game in the later innings and worked a walk, which turned out to be very helpful. Being able to contribute was something he needed (and deserved). Randal Grichuk showed some coveted plate discipline multiple times last night, followed by a 2 run homer which gave us a 3-0 lead at the time and of course, the walk off hit (a few feet shy of a grand slam by the way). This Cardinals loving girl happy danced around the living room for all of these moments.

After all the warm fuzzies here, I hesitate to bring up situations that needed a little more game face. I'll simply say that Carp needed a little more game face in that one inning. And I'm not sure if more game face would fix whatever issues may or may not have happened with bullpen management, but I can say I have not one warm fuzzy for all of that.

My beautiful Cardinals are in first place and the only team in the Central Division with a win two days into the season. I like it. 2 wins after tomorrow's game would be perfect. A home series win against the Cubs--crazy good way to start the year! No pressure, but a sweep would be sweet. Opening Day was awesome for the Cards this year and we'll have many more in the future. After all, these are the St. Louis Cardinals. Happy 2017 Season!!