San Diego Padres open the 2011 season Thursday playing the Cardinals in St. Louis.

Mat Latos was supposed to get the start against St. Louis but is now on 15-day disabled list, so the Padres will start their season with Tim Stauffer on the mound-- a solid choice.

Last season Stauffer went 6-5 in over 32 appearances with a 185 E-R-A.

That success has transferred well into the spring. After a rough first game, where he gave up 5 runs, he went on to allow only 5 runs and had 14 strikeouts over 18 innings through the rest of spring training.

During spring training Stauffer talked about moving up in the ranks.

"Last year I was a little bit in limbo, not sure exactly what role or if I was going to be with the team and what-not," he said. "I feel like I put myself in a good position and I look forward to going out there and competing again."

 

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