GatewayRedbirds.com

Derrick Goold wrote:JUPITER, Fla. — The Cardinals are currently in the clubhouse with the door shut and the Golden Bear talking. Jack Nicklaus is addressing the Cardinals, the first of at least two pre-stretch speeches this week. His visit is a note.

A hearty one, to be sure, but a note.

The real news is hanging on a corkboard in that same clubhouse, hanging off a thumb tack: Jim Edmonds is is in the starting lineup.

(Additionally, closer prospect Chris Perez, a 2006 draft pick who has been rifling through his minor-league innings this spring, is listed as available in the bullpen.)

As reported a few days ago and as outlined much earlier this spring, Edmonds is returning to center field with a week remaining in camp. He’ll bat second in the order and could see as many as three at-bats. (He’s batting second to minimize the innings it takes to get to that final at-bat.) Edmonds’ sense that he’ll be available for opening day at Busch Stadium has grown over the past couple weeks, as his workouts and batting practices have intensified. When he knocked a few BP pitches over the fence in a recent session he was quick to point out that it was BP and he’d only know how ready his swing was when he got in a game.

He didn’t say “if” he got in a game. He said “when”.

As if the “when” was imminent.

When is today.

THE CARDINALS (12-9-3)

1. David Eckstein, SS
2. Jim Edmonds, CF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Scott Rolen, 3B
5. Chris Duncan, LF
6. Scott Spiezio, RF
7. Adam Kennedy, 2B
8. Gary Bennett, C
9. Anthony Reyes, RHP

Listed as available in the bullpen: RHP Ryan Franklin, RHP Chris Perez, RHP Russ Springer, RHP Jason Isringhausen (though he has said he planned to pitch Monday and Tuesday), and RHP Mike Sillman.