JUPITER, Fla. — For the cover photo that adorns this season preview section, each featured Cardinals player sported a symbol of his success. The reigning National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt gripped a bat. Ten-time Gold Glove Award winner Nolan Arenado wore his game-ready glove. And the newcomer, catcher Willson Contreras, held his mask and mitt.
The photographer asked Arenado to shift his glove a bit to reveal the gold Rawlings patch near his wrist, the patch the St. Louis company stitches on only for Gold Glove fielders. The patch caught a sparkle from the sun and rose just over Contreras’ shoulder.