Cardinals mark Feb. 27 against Mets as spring schedule opener

ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals will begin their spring training schedule Feb. 27 against the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie, Fla., then hold their home opener the next day against the Mets in Jupiter, Fla.

The NL Central champions will play eight games against the Florida Marlins, also based in Jupiter.

The schedule features back-to-back home dates with the Atlanta Braves on March 9-10.

The Cardinals are entering their sixth year in Jupiter and will play 19 home games, including four as the visitor to the Marlins. Other home games will be against the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos.

Pitchers and catchers are to report Feb. 14, with the first workout the next day. The full squad is due to report Feb. 18, with the first full-squad workout on Feb. 19.

Individual spring training game tickets will go on sale Jan. 18.