Recap: Our reporters, columnists preview the Cardinals’ season

With opening day Sunday in Pittsburgh, here’s a recap of the BND’s major stories previewing the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2016 season:

* Cardinals aren’t afraid of the big, bad Cubs, beat reporter David Wilhelm reports ...

* Redbirds pitching makes them a contender for a playoff spot ...

* Is the Cubs hype a little overwrought? Columnist Joe Ostermeier weighs in ...

* Jedd Gyorko is a key addition, Sports Editor Todd Eschman says ...

* Randal Grichuk, Stephen Piscotty embrace their new roles with the club ...

* First base will be a mixed bag: Adams, Holliday, Moss will vie for time ...

* Matt Carpenter has a leadoff hitter’s mentality, middle-of-the lineup thump ...

* Catcher Brayan Pena brings a sunny outlook as Yadier Molina’s backup ...

* What the experts are saying about the Cardinals this spring ...

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 10:32 AM with the headline "Recap: Our reporters, columnists preview the Cardinals’ season."