By Jacob Cersosimo

Previewing the 2023 Springfield Cardinals

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A new season for the Springfield Cardinals but not necessarily an entirely new team. Quite a few players return from a year ago on the Opening Day roster for the Spring Cards, except for Jordan Walker, Mason Wynn, and Gordon Graceffo who’ve all been promoted to Triple-A or MLB.

However, Jose Leger’s squad has plenty of familiar faces.

“(We are) more ready this year, I feel good about our pitching, our bullpen, we have a lot of guys that have been here before,” said third-year Springfield Manager Jose Leger.

One key piece bringing back experience is Opening Day starter Michael McGreevy, “He had a really good year last year in Peoria then came here (Springfield). He had his share of struggles, but he’s a great kid, he works hard, very smart, and knows how to throw strikes,” Leger said.

“Try to set the tone for the season (on Opening Day), get off to a good start for the team but other than that it’s just another day for baseball,” said Michael McGreevy.

McGreevy is a top-10 prospect for the Cardinals, leading what Jose Leger believes is the team’s best quality.

“Our starting rotation is going to be a lot of strike throwers and (they) know how to pitch,” Leger said.

“A lot of guys pound the zone and we have a good defense behind us as well,” McGreevy added.

The defense behind McGreevy this season is full of experience at Hammons Field.

“It helps. It not only helps them, but it helps others, it helps the other players that don’t have the experience. They can bring them up to speed,” Leger said.

The Spring Cards return important pieces like Mike Antico, Matt Koperniak, and Chandler Redmond.

“The Cardinals are usually so young at every level so to have around 20 guys coming back it’s just a huge confidence boost that everyone’s been here,” said infielder Chandler Redmond.

“Not only are we having players come back that were here last year, but also players that played in the league but with a different team that we picked up,” Leger said.

The Springfield Cardinals begin their season at home on Thursday versus Wichita.

HERE IS A LOOK AT THE FULL ROSTER

No. PITCHERS (19)

12 McGreevy, Michael

16 Black, Grant

25 Martinez, Jose

27 Roach, Dalton

31 Shreve, Ryan

32 Sawyer, Logan

34 Loutos, Ryan

35 Lunn, Connor

40 Komar, Brandon