As he opened his fifth Spring Training as Cardinals manager, Mike Matheny spoke of sprinkling in more competition, fostering fun and adjusting the workload of some as part of the team's preparation for the season ahead.
So how did it all go? Matheny answered those and other questions during a recent Q&A session with MLB.com. Putting a bowtie on the team's stay in Florida, Matheny not only looked back on all that has happened over the past six-plus weeks, but also hinted at what might be to come.
That includes how Matt Holliday's first-base work enhances the team's flexibility and how the club will cover the shortstop position while awaiting Jhonny Peralta's return. Matheny also touched on a topic that so many others have -- the Cubs -- and how the Cardinals' improved division rival changes the dynamic of the National League Central.