Cardinals reveal lineup for Nolan Arenado’s spring debut

The Cardinals officially start spring training games on Sunday, as they face the Washington Nationals.

The storyline of St. Louis’ spring training opener will be the debut of Nolan Arenado, who will start at third base and hit cleanup. Arenado’s challenge to live up to the hefty expectations placed upon him officially begins Sunday, but the long road ahead surely comes with a few pitfalls.

Arenado displays tremendous power, but the questions remains whether he can transition that production from the hitter-friendly Coors Field to Busch Stadium. St. Louis won’t be able to confirm those suspicions just yet, but Arenado is coming off a down season of his own. He’s got plenty to prove heading into Sunday’s otherwise interesting tilt.

The Cardinals lineup is loaded with talent

While Arenado is the centerpiece Sunday, hitting just behind Paul Goldschmidt should only help matters. Staff ace Jack Flaherty will get the start, as well as take the Opening Day bump when the times comes, per manager Mike Schildt.

Even should he struggle at the dish, Arenado can always fall back on his Gold Glove defense, which will be appreciated perhaps more by the so-called best fans in baseball in St. Louis.

The beginning of an era begins on Sunday in Florida for Arenado.