JUPITER, Fla. • One of the assignments for new bullpen coach Bryan Eversgerd in the early days of spring training has been "running first base." That does not mean that he's in charge of first base or even necessarily manning first base, but it does involve him being there as there is a lot of running to first base.
Several Cardinals officials have remarked how an early hallmark of pitching coach Mike Maddux's schedule has been an emphasis on fielding.
"He wants the pitchers able to field their position," said one. "He wants them athletic out there.