Opening Day 2014: Welcome back baseball

The National League champion St. Louis Cardinals start the season on the road today in Cincinnati against the Reds. This year's team has a lot to like, and here are a few things to watch for this season.

* Matt Holliday. Since beginning his career in St. Louis, Matt Holliday has often played second or third fiddle. There was Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman and Carlos Beltran. All three have moved on, with Berkman recently retired from the game. Will Holliday provide the power this lineup needs?

* Second base. Matt Carpenter arguably could have been the MVP last season. The left-handed hitting infielder moved to second base and did an impressive job. With the David Freese trade, Carpenter now will man the hot corner. This opens a door for prized prospect Kolten Wong. But in case Wong needs support, the Redbirds signed Mark Ellis. If all things work out, Carpenter and Wong could have great seasons, and Ellis would provide off-the-bench support and serve as a super sub.

* Pitching. The "Cardinal Way" includes an emphasis on growing talent through the farm system. St. Louis is rich with pitching. Young, talented, hard-throwing hurlers. Mike Matheny has plenty of arms to carry this team. A rotation led by Adam Wainwright and phenom Michael Wacha should be tough on the opposition.

* Yadier Molina. The Cardinals catcher is an iron man. He prepares himself physically and mentally like few others. Base runners dare not run on this guy. The young pitching staff benefits greatly from his intellect and talent. And this guy can hit, too.

Manager Mike Matheny's challenge will be to find time off for the prize catcher. A full season takes its toll on any player's body. The Cardinals are used to playing in October, so to keep Molina fresh, it will be important to give him time off -- regardless of whether Molina wants it.

* Mike Matheny. In two seasons as manager, Mike Matheny has done a remarkable job. First, the NLCS. Then, in 2013, the World Series. The bar is high. Matheny's role with the team goes beyond baseball intellect. From an outsider's view, Mike Matheny is a strong leader. It takes special talent to help a team come together. This 2014 team has a mix of veterans and young players. If precedent means something, this year's club should be in good shape with leadership.

We're looking forward to the first pitch and will be rooting for the Cardinals as they compete for a 12th World Series championship.