“Get down here, get the lay of the land, get to know guys, and continue preparing for spring training and opening day,” Goldschmidt said. “Seeing guys come in a week or two early you can get on the field, start moving around, and build up to (official) spring training. My perspective: It’s impressive to have all these guys here. You can definitely show up day-of, which is fine, and you can still get ready. But definitely these guys are committed.”

In the middle of a series of drills on the Cardinals’ training turf near the batting cages, Goldschmidt had to briefly pause for a bear hug.

Marcell Ozuna had arrived.

The Cardinals had urged their left fielder to report to spring training early this month so that he could spend time with trainers and get his right arm ready and stronger for the start of the regular season. Ozuna went through some throwing drills and outfield fielding drills with the coaches who were available, and he hit in the cage at length. He said he was “feeling good,” that the arm was feeling better, and that he was working back from the surgery that he had at the end of this past season.