Ah, spring training … The joy of reading about our St. Louis Cardinals daily and, with that, the extra joy of seeing pictures from Jupiter, Fla.

What better way to start your Monday morning, whether you’re off for President’s Day or headed to work, than with a look at what’s been happening in Jupiter over the past week? Other than stopping at Starbucks before reading on, there’s no better way — right?

All photos are from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Mike Matheny in shorts? Yes, it’s a happy Monday.

 

Matt Carpenter in shorts works well also, right?

 

Spring training — the time for pictures of blue skies and goofy stretches.

 

And pictures of things we likely won’t ever see in a real game — like Edward Mujica bunting. (No wonder he’s laughing, and did not win the bunting tournament.)

 

Here’s something we hopefully will see in games this season: Jaime Garcia and his red glove facing hitters.

 

You’re welcome.

 

You’re welcome again.

 

I knew from Miranda’s post last week our Wolf Pup Lance Lynn looks a little a lot smaller these days, but I honestly did not recognize him in most of the Post-Dispatch pictures — like this one.

 

Yadi’s looking a little slimmer too.

 

And now we have Molinas — plural! Welcome, Bengie!

 

Here’s the guy getting so much attention this spring (and rightfully so): Oscar Taveras.

 

It’s good to see Oscar paired up with Carlos Beltran too — obviously Carlos has much wisdom to share.

 

And Red also has plenty of wisdom to share (as well as the ultimate in cool shades … hey, who’s that other guy??)

 

This is just cute. (Hello, Jimmy!)

 

As is this. Does Joe Kelly ever not have fun? (Hello, John Gast!)

 

No reason is ever needed for one more Mike Matheny picture … although I’d personally like to request more Matheny-wearing-shorts pictures from the Post-Dispatch.

Enjoy your Monday!


Christine Coleman is the senior St. Louis Cardinals reporter for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or email aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates.