St Louis Cardinals 1st Half Prediction

Sep 25, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (4) and Cardinals relief pitcher Trevor Rosenthal (26) celebrate their victory over the Washington Nationals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Nationals 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The St Louis Cardinals will begin their regular season on Monday, March 31st against the Cincinnati Reds. Today, we will predict the first half of the season for the St Louis Cardinals.

Notable Opponents

The Cardinals will play all division foes in the first half of the season. They will also face off against the Washington Nationals 7 times, the Atlanta Braves 6 times and the Los Angeles Dodgers 4 times. They will also play in state rival the Kansas City Royals 4 times (2 in St. Louis, 2 in Kansas City).

Most Intriguing Series

Cardinals Vs. Yankees at Busch Stadium

When two of the most accomplished organizations in Major League Baseball play, it’s always a spectacle. When you add in Derek Jeter’s final appearance in Busch Stadium (barring a World Series meeting), it becomes even more special. Tickets for that matchup are already red hot with very few tickets under $100 a seat. Everyone wants to see Derek Jeter play one last time. I expect the loyal Cardinals fans to give Derek Jeter his due and give a standing ovation. Afterwards, they will root for him to strikeout.

Prediction

I believe the Cardinals will rebound from a rough Spring Training and come out on fire. I believe they will win the opening series against the Reds and use that momentum to get out to an early lead in the NL central and will have a 4 game lead in the division by the All-Star break.

Record prediction at All-Star Break: 57-40. 1st in the NL Central.