"Two days after rolling out a lineup carbon from opening day, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa on Friday embraced what may be a longstanding alteration to his card by moving former Silver Slugger right fielder Ryan Ludwick to the second spot in the batting order.

La Russa discussed the possibility of such a move with Ludwick during the team's five-day stay in Cincinnati, then followed through after Ludwick and previous No. 2 hitter Brendan Ryan labored through the opening series.

"It makes more sense," La Russa said.

La Russa has long advocated placing "damage" in a slot many managers reserve for bat control over power.

During his 31-year major league managerial career, La Russa has employed heavy hitters such as Carlton Fisk, Dave Henderson, Carney Lansford, Jim Edmonds and Larry Walker in the No. 2 spot. Ludwick, who's averaged 105 RBIs the last two seasons, is merely the latest.

"I see a lot of plusses to it," La Russa said of a move he has considered since the latter stages of spring. "In a number of ways it creates some real problems for a pitcher, early or late in the game."

Ludwick has groped for consistency since leaving Florida with a team-most 16 RBIs. Uncomfortable placing lefthanded-hitting Colby Rasmus behind lefthanded-hitting leadoff hitter Skip Schumaker, La Russa first turned to Ryan with little success."