The Cardinals have publicly — and privately to Fowler — backed the veteran as their starter in right field. There are three years remaining on a five-year, $82.5 million deal that saw career-high power numbers in year 1, career lows galore in year 2, and turbulence throughout. He’s energized by the belief the team has shown in him this winter. The bounce is back in more than just his foot. He recently told his wife, Aliya, how he “wants Cardinal Nation to know that side of me. I hope I earn that opportunity.”

As Fowler spoke, his oldest daughter, Naya, 4, scampered through the house looking for her mom and stopped briefly enough to make her father laugh about her urgency. His youngest, 5-month-old Ivy, was carried in for a goodnight kiss and beamed when she heard her father’s voice. He returned her smile. This is his life, he said. Baseball is his job. But, he then stressed, baseball is the game he “truly loves.” Always has been. Ask his mother, he insisted twice. She arrived that day for a visit. She did confirm.

He was asked if he lost that love in 2018.

“Um,” Fowler said.

He paused for five seconds. The house went silent, no tapping.

“I lost loving what is around the game,” he said.