JUPITER, Fla. • With the clock ticking, the losses mounting and some tension clearly simmering, the Cardinals reached the final four games of spring training still trying to put their game and team together, on the field and off.
A day that began with a lengthy meeting of the player leadership group climaxed with one of the sharpest games the Cardinals have played in weeks. In his final Grapefruit League start this spring, Carlos Martinez set a brisk, undeterred pace and led the Cardinals with six strong innings for a 3-1 victory against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium.