"Cardinals right fielder Lance Berkman has informed general manager John Mozeliak that he would not consider returning to the club as a free agent this winter if he is traded this week to the Texas Rangers.

Berkman Tuesday afternoon expressed strong distaste for being assigned a role as "a rental player" for a second straight season. Informed over the weekend of the Rangers' interest, Berkman said he made clear his preference is to return to the Cardinals in 2012, but a trade would cause him to re-evaluate the position.

"I don't want to be traded. I don't think they want to trade me," Berkman said. "Obviously, 'Mo' has an obligation as the general manager to listen. But I think myself and the Cardinals are on the same page.""