"Kyle McClellan recorded the first upset of spring training last weekend: He reached south Florida still a member of the Cardinals.

Actually, the drama had eased somewhat by then. Reluctant to head south for fear of being traded as soon as he arrived at Roger Dean Stadium, McClellan received assurances from the Cardinals front office that he was safe — at least for now.

"This offseason was different," McClellan said after a Tuesday morning workout at the team's spring training headquarters. "Things have come up here and there. Ultimately that's part of the business. You can't control all that. They're going to make the moves they're going to make and you hope you're part of it. But in this game it's dangerous to start planning ahead."

The Cardinals have a glut of power righthanded relievers. McClellan is making $2.5 million, more than any of his bullpen brethren. And the defending world champions harbored interest in free agent starter Roy Oswalt, whose acquisition likely would require a corresponding salary dump."