But it is their shared, defining trait that makes the teammates both friends and relentless competitors. They run on the same kind of fuel, a premium grade that produces enough heat to warm an organization from within. The latest example could be found Monday morning, on the back fields of Roger Dean Stadium, where Mikolas and Flaherty pitched against Marlins minor leagers on fields just a few feet apart.
There was general manager Michael Girsch talking ball with his son. There was former Cardinal Tyler Greene, now a scout with the Yankees, and former Cardinal Mitch Harris, now a financial consultant, catching up with old pals from their playing days.