Jordan Walker was the talk of spring training for the Cardinals, with fans clamoring for the prized prospect to make the opening-day roster. He did, and brought high expectations with him not only among Redbirds rooters but also at the sportsbooks.
He was the preseason favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award at one of the area shops and was the second choice at the other two. But after a fast start, he struggled and was sent to Triple A Memphis for more seasoning. But he returned Friday and was in the starting lineup for the Cards' contest in Pittsburgh.