Every year we take this trip. we try to find a way to watch our beloved Cardinals play in a ballpark other then Jupiter.  This year, we were able to score tickets to watch them play the Atlanta Braves in Orlando at the Disney World Resort.  This stadium is one that I've been clamoring to see for awhile to say I was excited about going there would be an understatement.  Upon arriving at the Wide World of Sports complex, I immediately realized that this would probably be the one and only time that I make this trip...at least on the weekend.  It's true what they say about Disney World, the place is packed with kids on the weekend.  As soon as we stepped off the bus, we were swallowed up by kids from baseball, softball and cheerleading teams and the security guy near our bus said they were expecting 8000 kids this weekend.  You see, the Braves field is set right in the middle of the Sports complex and there are numerous smaller fields where youth teams play.  There is also the sports hall right next to the stadium, which houses all the cheerleading competitions that you see on the ESPN networks.  The area was in fact crawling with alot of kids, there families and in some instances, there trophies.  It made me realize that the next time I come here, it'll be during the week when there is less of a chance to get caught up in the madness.

Despite that, I wasnt going to let that ruin this experience.  Afterall, this is Disney World and it's the happiest place on earth.  We quickly weaved our way through the masses of kids and found our way to Champion's field, which towered over anything in that section of the park.  We made our way inside and to the general area of our seats before part of my group went in search of lunch.  I stayed where I was and caught the Cardinals right in the middle of there batting practice.  This must be the only trip that the Cardinals make to Orlando because outside of Chris Duncan and Yadier Molina, all the other regulars made the 2 hour trip north to play today and tomorrow.  As I stood there watching the Cardinals go thru there routine, I finally got the sense that yes, baseball has now officially begun for me. 

The Cardinals put out a lineup that existed of Skip Schumaker, Aaron Miles, Albert Pujols, Rick Ankiel, Troy Glaus, Colby Rasmus, Jason LaRue, Clayton Mortenson and Brendan Ryan.  They faced one of the Braves' aces, Tim Hudson, which figured to be a pretty good test early in the spring training campaign.  The Cardinals jumped out early and scored 2 unearned runs in the top of the inning but the rookie Mortenson couldnt find the strike zone and gave up 3 runs in the bottom half.   The Cardinals had a couple of other chances in the 3rd and 4th but the Braves came up with some great plays in the field, including a rally killer by second baseman Kelly Johnson.  The Cardinals brought in Jason Isringhausen to pitch in the 3rd inning in a move that isnt so far fetched during the spring.  With the regulars only playing the first handful of innings, closers usually come in earlier then normal to get there work in against major leaguers.  Izzy faced the heart of the order and was smacked around pretty good, including a three run homerun by Scott Thorman where Rick Ankiel didnt even move in right field.  From there, it was time for the younger players to play and the Braves have quite a bit more talent then the Cardinals at that level.  The Cardinals made if close and trimmed the lead to 8-5 in the 7th but the Cardinal bullpen...namely Ron Flores... gave that up with 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th thanks in part to 5 walks and a bases loaded double.  Final score of game 1....12-5 for the Braves and one really bad sunburn for yours truly.

As far as what I liked, first and foremost was Brian Barton, rule 5 pickup from the Cleveland Indians.  He reminds me of a younger, faster and more athletic Juan Encarnacion and he wowed the crowd with a bases clearing triple of his own, going from home to third in a blink of an eye.  I was also impressed with Colby Rasmus, especially the way he plays centerfield.  He glides to the ball effortlessly and made play after play look easy, including a diving grab that helped end the first inning.  I know alot of people will miss Jim Edmonds but letting him go was indeed the right thing to do.  Rasmus is younger, faster and cheaper and I wouldnt be surprised if he finds a way to be in St. Louis earlier then projected this season.  The Cardinal regulars did there thing with each guy recording a hit and really putting alot of wood on the ball.  Like I said, they got to Tim Hudson and had it not been for some stellar defensive play, the Cardinals would've had there fair share of runs in this game against the righthander. 

The only thing that was disheartening was the Cardinal pitching.  For the second straight day they gave up double digit runs, first 20 to the Dodgers and now 12 to the Braves.  Clayton Mortenson has some potential but he needs to get the ball over the plate.  In fact, all the Cardinal pitchers need to get the ball over the plate.  Izzy walked two in his inning of work and left handed specialist Ron Flores walked 5 in the ninth.  Ryan Franklin was the only pitcher that had little trouble with the Braves, pitching two innings and giving up one unearned run.  With the pitching question marks that surround this team, the Cardinals need to have there veterans be solid and go about there business as usual, or this season is going to be a long one. 

Next up...tomorrow at Jupiter for game #2.  It's always a great atmosphere at this place, with plenty of room to get up and walk around and get autographs before and after the game, and good, inexpensive food, drink and souveniors.  My mission for autographs this year, Colby Rasmus, Rick Ankiel and up and comer pitcher Jamie Garcia.