Ian Kennedy will get the nod for Arizona on Monday. In 13 IP against the  red birds last year, IPK posted an ERA above 6 and allowed 11 runs. I’m going to forget I mentioned that statistic. This is a fresh year for Kennedy and I expect big things from him. Ian will go up against Adam Wainwright, who didn’t pitch in Chase Field last year but did win his only meeting with Arizona in 2012. Wainwright, who recently signed a five-year extension, is a possible CY candidate. Pitching edge in game 1: I don’t know, flip a coin or something.

3 days. That’s it.

It’s funny that about three months ago, I was joking about how much outfield depth we had. I didn’t think we would actually need to use it all, though! As for Opening Day, there will be no Adam Eaton and no Cody Ross in the lineup. The Diamondbacks’ DL makes up one pretty damn-good team by itself but there are certainly others to step in and fill roles. The D’backs will most likely have Gerardo Parra leading off to start 2013. The only other mix up is that A.J. Pollock will probably start in CF. That is pretty much by default with the injury bug hitting Eaton at literally the worst possible time: a week before Opening Day. Apparently shortstops can’t stay healthy in Arizona but there to save the day is Cliff Pennington, who will very likely start there on Monday. The Cardinals are aging. No doubt about it, but their lineup is still pretty scary with the likes of Holliday, Beltran, and you can also play “Name That Molina” in STL. The Cards are old but they have some great young talent coming up. It’s weird to associate St. Louis with young talent but Shelby Miller and Oscar Taveras are prolific young stars. Taveras is often referred to as “Baby Vlad.” Not only is the nickname adorable, but it also tells you what to expect from this five-tool phenom (Taveras will begin the year in Triple-A Memphis). The big bummer for the Cardinals to start 2013 is that David Freese will be out of the lineup with some back issues. His plan is to return by the second week of the year. Both teams are struggling from the same issues with their roster but Arizona combated that with younger players. Lineup edge in game 1: D’backs.

The Cardinals finished 5-1 against Arizona last year but if St. Louis can play like their ages suggest then Arizona should be alright. D’backs will win the series with victories on Monday and Wednesday. The game on Monday night will be nationally televised because ESPN will do anything in their power to air a Cardinals game.

Follow @venomstrikes for news and updates surrounding the Snakes

Expect J.J. to appear a lot in 2013. He will just be wearing a smaller jersey this year.

Due to a diet that eliminated gluten and dairy from his regiment, Putz has dropped 17 pounds this off season and came into camp around 230-235lbs, which he claims is the “best shape of his life.” Being someone who recently lost 70 pounds, I am a huge supporter of what J.J. is doing because even with a small amount of weight loss, simple tasks become easier and more manageable. Having dropped the weight, the star closer should feel less stress both physically and mentally on the mound this year.

J.J. Putz isn’t getting any younger, but the fact that he will be lighter and more agile will help cut down on injury possibilities in 2013. Less injuries equal more appearances, and more appearances equal more saves! Along with Putz, Trevor Cahill followed suit and lost 15 pounds himself. Trevor was involved in the same diet as Putz. I’m considering putting down the milk and bread, because it certainly worked wonders this off season for the two pitchers.

Arizona opens up the spring season on Saturday against Colorado. Can you believe it? We made it through another off season!

Follow @venomstrikes on Twitter and as always, head over to Facebook and like the Venom Strikes page.

The event will take place outside the front entrance of Chase Field bright and early on Saturday morning.

On Saturday, the D’backs Race Against Cancer will take place at Chase Field. This 5K run, sponsored by the University of Arizona Cancer Center will start at 7:30 A.M and last until the start of D’backs Fan Fest at 10. Cancer survivors and all patrons are set to attend the race with all proceeds going to non-profit organizations in the Valley. It’s almost spring training, which is a time to start fresh and be positive about the future and I believe this race accomplishes that exact same vibe for everyone involved. D’backs coaches are on board with the race this year by participating on Saturday. Kirk Gibson will take part in the Family Fun 1K Walk as well. The Stand Up 2 Cancer campaign is one that has gathered steam in the MLB over recent years. Everybody holding up a SU2C sign during the World Series was not just a great moment for Major League Baseball, but for society as well.

D’backs president and cancer survivor, Derrick Hall spoke candidly about the event and his families battle with the illness.

“I feel like it’s my mission now to drive awareness, spread the word and hopefully stress the importance of people being screened and tested.”

This is another occasion for the Diamondbacks baseball community to team up and raise awareness for a great cause and also enjoy a beautiful day at Chase Field with the more laid-back Fan Fest following the race.  Sure, the pink and blue bats are a nice touch in the MLB but what’s really cool is when an entire fan base can link together for the same goal.

Also, if you can believe it, pitchers and catchers report in three days.