St. Louis Cardinals News: Pro Sports Daily

February 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It was only 30 pitches in February before a collection of 20 players and staff on Field 2 behind Roger Dean Stadium. But it was also Adam Wainwright throwing effortlessly and with command — momentous stuff just two weeks before the anniversary of his elbow injury last year. Wainwright, who tore ligaments in his elbow and missed the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, threw 30 pitches warming up and another 30 to Cardinals infielder Tyler Greene, minor leaguers Robert Stock and Joseph Bergman, and former teammate Rick Ankiel. He mixed sinkers, cut fastballs and his signature curve … all for strikes and never above the knees. The performance was compelling enough for an impressed"

Yadier Molina moves on without his friend, Albert Pujols

February 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Asked about the man that he considers a "big brother" more than a longtime teammate, Yadier Molina steals a quick glance left at the locker long occupied by Albert Pujols. Soon it will belong to someone else. For the first time in his 12-year professional career, Molina walked into Roger Dean Stadium last week knowing that the three-time National League MVP and his closest friend in the game wouldn't be joining him. Two months after the Cardinals and Pujols separated, Molina acknowledges a sense of loss but also recognition that the game frequently operates this way."

Bill James' projections hint at concern for Cardinals

February 9

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"This will come as no surprise to the people in baseball who have been paper-cut by his observations and assertions in the past, but author Bill James is a tough grader. He has even given himself a few Fs in this year's handbook. Seventy-three of them to be exact. The current edition of the annual Bill James Handbook has been on shelves for a month or so now, so this annual survey of some of its goodies is long overdue. At the back of the handbook is the usual statistical pot of gold -- the projections. At the beginning of the chapter, James, in his typical candor, announces early on he had several dozen outright failures in last year's projections. He said the projected numbers whiffed on"

Wainwright says he feels 'danged good'

February 9

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Projections are cheap this time of year, especially for a pitcher less than a year removed from surgery. Approaching the anniversary of his elbow ligament transplant, Adam Wainwright has his own ideas about determining how much he can give the Cardinals this spring and this season. "I plan on letting my arm do my lobbying," Wainwright said Wednesday morning within an otherwise empty clubhouse at Roger Dean Stadium. Sixteen months after finishing as runner-up to National League Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay and three years after finishing third in controversial balloting to Tim Lincecum and teammate Chris Carpenter, Wainwright arguably represents the most significant addition within"

A field guide to Cardinals' early camp

February 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"For the second consecutive year, the St. Louis Cardinals will have a hand-picked group of prospects come to spring training early in order to mirror the major-league camp, mix with the major-league camp coaches and get a head start on their prep before minor-league camp opens. Two of the Cardinals top three prospects, per the Baseball American rankings, have been invited to the pre-camp camp (still looking for a good name): righty Carlos Martinez and outfielder Oscar Taveras. The other 22 minor-leaguers are a mix of recent additions, sleepers and players on the fringe of the prospect discussion who are about to show whether or not they belong in it. The Cardinals' early camp allows the"

McClellan is safe for now with Cardinals

February 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"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"

Starting pitchers Oswalt, Jackson spurn interest from Pirates

February 8

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Even a chunk of cash as large as $10 million will not buy the Pirates an upper-tier free agent unless that player wants to play in Pittsburgh. According to multiple industry sources, the Pirates in recent days engaged in serious, detailed discussions with the agents for pitchers Roy Oswalt and Edwin Jackson. In both cases, however, talks were derailed when the player said he'd rather play elsewhere. Jackson accepted a one-year, $10 million contract Thursday from the Washington Nationals. The Pirates had offered the right-hander one- and three-year deals for slightly less money per year. Oswalt is still on the market, and reportedly is seeking a one-year contract for around $10 million. The"

Cardinals add Cora; Oswalt less likely

February 7

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Looking for a veteran who could satisfy their need for depth and their hope to add seasoning to the bench, the Cardinals on Monday signed utility infielder Alex Cora to a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to spring training. Cora, 36, had considered retiring to start a career in coaching, and Cards general manager John Mozeliak said that was part of Cora's attraction to the club. The versatile veteran will offer what Mozeliak described as "an on-field coach" during spring training as he attempts to win a job as a backup for the major-league bench. In 91 games for Washington last season, Cora hit .224 with a .287 on-base percentage. In the past two seasons split between three"

Cardinals sign veteran infielder Alex Cora

February 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals and utility fielder Alex Cora have agreed on a minor-league deal that will allow the veteran to serve as both competition and mentor for the club's group of less-experienced infielders. The team plans to announce the deal with Cora, 36, this afternoon. The deal will come with an invitation to spring training, general manager John Mozeliak confirmed. Cora hit .224 for the Washington Nationals in 2011 while appearing at all four positions in the infield. He was considering a move to coaching -- a role the Cardinals see him holding while vying for a spot on the major-league bench."

Cora nearing Minors deal with Cardinals

February 5

MLB.com

"Veteran infielder Alex Cora is close to agreeing on a Minor League deal with the Cardinals, according to an industry source. The Cardinals did not confirm the report. Cora, 36, saw action at first base, second base, shortstop and third base while hitting .224 in 91 games for the Nationals last season."

Jackson's price tag too high for Cardinals

February 3

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals didn't add a free agent Thursday but they did add incremental leverage for their future. Free-agent pitcher Edwin Jackson, a key component in the Cardinals' late-season push last year and run to the World Series championship, signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals for about $10 million. Landing Jackson enhances the Nats' progression from a NL East afterthought to a presumptive factor within a renovated division. It also brings the Cardinals a compensatory pick in this year's amateur draft, giving them five of the draft's first 58 selections under recently hired director of amateur scouting Dan Kantrovitz. The Cardinals recently inquired about Jackson's"

Source: Roy Oswalt undecided

February 1

ESPN.com

"After indicating late Friday night that pitcher Roy Oswalt was signing with the St. Louis Cardinals "soon," the same major league source acknowledged Wednesday that Oswalt had not yet made a decision and that the Red Sox still "had a great chance" of signing him. In the interim, Oswalt also paid a visit to the Texas Rangers, so it appears that it remains a three-team contest among the Cardinals, Rangers and Red Sox. A Red Sox source confirmed Wednesday that the team had not abandoned hopes of signing Oswalt, indicating that the 34-year-old right-hander may have a better chance at a regular turn starting with the Sox than with the other two clubs, both of whom appear to have filled their"

Sources: Playoff expansion has issues

February 1

ESPN.com

"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"

Stalemate continues with Oswalt

February 1

Foxsports.com

"The St. Louis Cardinals clearly were not close to signing free-agent right-hander Roy Oswalt Friday night, as multiple reports suggested. If a deal at that point actually had been within reach, it would have been done by now. So, what the heck is going on with Roy O? Probably the same thing that has been going on since the beginning – Oswalt wants to pitch either for the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals, yet is not an easy fit for either team. Talks are fluid and can accelerate quickly, but Oswalt's agent, Bob Garber, appears to be in a bind. If Oswalt does not want to play for the Boston Red Sox or any other interested club, all the agent can do is wait. And the Rangers and Cardinals"

Oswalt pitching from the bullpen? Not likely

January 31

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"QUESTION: If the Cardinals are, indeed, pursuing Roy Oswalt, can you see a scenario where he would actually pitch out of the bullpen? Or do you think he'll ultimately land somewhere where he can continue to be a starting pitcher? JOE STRAUSS Since his agent recent categorically stated Roy will sign only as a starter, I'm willing to discount the possibility of him appearing in relief. His contract is certain to include incentives. Those incentives will be starts or innings pitched, not appearances or games finished. DERRICK GOOLD It's become clearer over the past couple weeks that Roy Oswalt has two preferences: 1) being a Cardinal and 2) being a starter. His interest in being a Cardinal"

Bernie Bytes: Oswalt makes sense for Cardinals

January 31

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"If the Cardinals indeed have a chance to sign Roy Oswalt, they should go for it. As we sit here on Monday morning, I have no idea where it stands. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak has consistently downplayed the team's interest in Oswalt. Over the weekend, some non-STL media outlets jumped the gun by reporting that Oswalt was signing with the Cardinals. Other reports have Oswalt meeting with the Texas Rangers today (Monday). The Cardinals presumably are monitoring the situation. * Oswalt, 34, was limited to 139 IP last season because of physical problems, namely a bad back. His overall 2011 numbers offer warning signs; last season Oswalt experienced a slight drop in velocity, a decline in"

Cardinals may trade McClellan

January 30

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals are shopping versatile righthander Kyle McClellan to alleviate a numbers crunch in their bullpen and to restore payroll flexibility that could be committed to a free-agent starting pitcher. General manager John Mozeliak recently said the possibility exists of a trade involving McClellan but said he believes it's more likely that the Florissant native will report with Cardinals pitchers and catchers to Jupiter, Fla., on Feb. 18."

Cards closing in on Roy Oswalt?

January 29

ESPN.com

"Free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt has elected to remain in the National League and is likely to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals "soon," a major league source said late Friday night. Presumably, any agreement would be pending a physical for Oswalt, who has a history of back problems. "It's not yet 100 percent," the source said. On Saturday, Cardinals GM John Mozeliak wrote in an email to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, "These are just rumors, and nothing more." Oswalt, one of the last big-name free agents still on the market, had been ardently pursued by the Boston Red Sox, among others. Another team reportedly in the mix for Oswalt was the Texas Rangers, while CBSSports.com reported late Friday"

Cards deny that Oswalt deal is in the works

January 29

MLB.com

"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak denied on Saturday that a deal is in the works with Roy Oswalt, as reports swirled that the club is close to a contract with the veteran free-agent right-hander. Multiple reports have suggested that the club is at least seriously in the running for a pitcher who has been a longtime rival. MLB Network Radio reported Friday night that a deal was very close, and ESPNBoston.com reported that night that Oswalt has "elected to stay in the National League" and that he is "likely" to sign with the Cardinals "soon." Still, as of midday Saturday, no deal was completed. Reached by email, Mozeliak wrote that reports were "not true," but did not elaborate."

Cardinals in running for Oswalt

January 28

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals' search for pitching depth has returned them to free agent righthander Roy Oswalt despite the club's persistent denials that it is actively pursuing its longtime nemesis. The Cardinals are among a handful of teams that have extended a short-term bid to the former Houston Astros ace, who in recent years repeatedly has expressed a desire to play in St. Louis. Oswalt, 34, is believed close to a decision. The Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and Astros are also reported to be pursuing the three-time All-Star, who carries a career 153-93 record and 3.21 ERA. Oswalt has been plagued by back problems that have limited him to 43 starts the past two seasons but remained effective enough"

Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall

January 28

Chicago Tribune

"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."

Cards closing in on Roy Oswalt?

January 28

ESPN.com

"Free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt has elected to remain in the National League and is likely to sign with theSt. Louis Cardinals "soon," a major league source said late Friday night. Presumably, any agreement would be pending a physical for Oswalt, who has a history of back problems. "It's not yet 100 percent," the source said. Oswalt, one of the last of the big-name free agents still on the market, had been ardently pursued by the Boston Red Sox, among others. Another team reportedly in the mix for Oswalt was the Texas Rangers, while CBSSports.com reported late Friday night that Oswalt had rejected an offer from the Detroit Tigers."

Theriot, Giants agree on one-year contract

January 27

MLB.com

"The Giants on Friday welcomed in Ryan Theriot via a one-year deal in a move that provides the club with added infield depth, a source confirmed to MLB.com. Theriot's veteran presence complements that of young shortstop Brandon Crawford and also offers insurance if the rehabbing Freddy Sanchez (right shoulder) is not deemed ready to play second base by the start of the season."

Bernie Bytes: Will TLR manage again?

January 26

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"After winning the World Series for the third time, Tony La Russa retired as Cardinals' manager to cap a brilliant 35-season career in the dugout. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has asked La Russa to manage the National League squad in the 2012 All-Star Game. It was a classy and appropriate invitation by Selig. And TLR quickly accepted. La Russa is one of the greatest managers in MLB history, and his retirement came suddenly and rather unexpectedly. There was no "Farewell Tour," no send-off. The All-Star Game will at least give La Russa a chance to take a bow. Fans and baseball people will get a chance, if ever so briefly, to formally salute La Russa's career. And that's good. La Russa, 67, has"

Cards, Motte agree at $1.95 million

January 26

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals sidestepped an arbitration hearing with reliever Jason Motte on Wednesday by reaching agreement with their incumbent closer on a one-year, $1.95 million contract. The settlement means the Cardinals have avoided the possibility of an arbitration impasse with any of their players as their only other candidate, righthanded reliever Kyle McClellan, agreed to a $2.5 million deal earlier this month. The club hoped to avoid an exchange of figures with Motte but ran out of time because of a schedule complicated by the annual Winter Warm-Up and a trip to the White House on Jan. 17. The club tendered a $1.5 million bid while Motte had requested $2.4 million. Wednesday's settlement"

Report: Free agent Roy Oswalt wants to pitch for either Rangers or Cardinals

January 26

Dallas Morning News

"Just a day after the Rangers officially missed out on Prince Fielder, the club found its name linked to another high-profile free agent. Three-time All-Star Roy Oswalt wants to play for either the Rangers or the St. Louis Cardinals next year, according to a report for Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "The Rangers, in the view of some executives, are the favorites to land Oswalt, even though they already have six starting pitchers, including right-hander Alexi Ogando, who could move to the bullpen," Rosenthal wrote."

Sox interested in righty Edwin Jackson

January 26

Boston Herald

"At this point, less than a month before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Red Sox are more likely to address their starting rotation needs through free agency than via a trade, according to a major league source. One potential solution: Edwin Jackson. Jackson, a free agent right-hander, is mulling "a variety of options," agent Scott Boras said by phone yesterday, and may reach a decision by week's end. Boras declined to confirm a tweet from ESPN.com's Jim Bowden that the Sox have made an offer, but indications are Jackson may be amenable to a one-year contract after initially seeking a multiyear deal."

MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington

January 25

Dallas Morning News

"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."

Carlos Beltran tells Met fans: Time to get over 2006 and move on

January 25

New York Daily News

"There is no need to update Carlos Beltran's relationship status with the people of New York to "it's complicated" — that has remained unchanged since 2005. So if you have any feelings about his decision to sign with St. Louis, Beltran has a simple response: Get over it. "Actually, I'm not thinking about the fans, I'm thinking about myself," Beltran said at Tuesday's Baseball Assitance Team charity dinner at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square."

Holliday, Berkman will take on bigger roles

January 20

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It is called an intangible. But its presence within a clubhouse is almost tactile. Reliever Kyle McClellan believes its value can equate to five wins in a season, maybe more. Without it, a 162-game schedule may seem endless. With it, a team augments its resiliency. It is known as chemistry, or mix. Admittedly challenged in that department in 2010, the Cardinals rescued themselves last season by calling upon one another's pride and professionalism during a late August meeting that arguably came at the summer's low point. Less than a month shy of returning to Jupiter, Fla., in defense of an improbable World Series title, the club again wonders about its vibe. "When you look at 2010, we just"

Comeback Cards honored by president

January 18

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The most famous White Sox fan saluted the St. Louis Cardinals this afternoon as baseball greatest comeback team ever. In a gathering at the White House to recognize the World Series winners, President Barack Obama recalled the Cardinals' historic march to the championship as exciting and rare. "Every once in a while, something happens that we have never seen before, something unique. And that is why it is my pleasure to stand here with the greatest comeback team in the history of baseball," said Obama, standing in front of 20 Cardinals players and other club personnel. The ceremony in the chandeliered White House East Room was attended by about 175 Missourians, politicians and local"

Cards reach deal with McClellan

January 18

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals have reached agreement with righthanded reliever Kyle McClellan on a one-year, $2.5 million contract, thereby avoiding arbitration. The deal with McClellan leaves closer Jason Motte as the Cardinals' remaining arbitration candidate. General manager John Mozeliak has been engaged with Motte's representation regarding a deal. The respective parties are scheduled to submit bids if an agreement remains elusive. McClellan was 12-7 with a 4.19 ERA while splitting last season between the rotation and the bullpen. He was placed on the roster for only one of the Cardinals' three postseason series after enduring arm fatigue in September. Mozeliak last weekend tried to dispel persistent"

DeWitt: Cardinals wanted Pujols

January 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. insisted Sunday that his inability to retain free agent first baseman Albert Pujols had nothing to do with a lack of organizational commitment but much to do with recognizing fiscal limitations. A day after a downtown Hyatt ballroom crowd applauded general manager John Mozeliak for suggesting the process worked to the benefit of both sides, DeWitt underscored his desire to bring back Pujols, who last month agreed to a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. "This is a very knowledgeable baseball market. I think they realize you can only do so much for a given player and compete year in and year out," DeWitt said during an afternoon"

Miller, Boggs set to make impression in spring

January 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Although their careers are at far different locales entering this season, both prospect Shelby Miller and reliever Mitchell Boggs see spring training as an important place to assert their place in the organization. Miller wants to use it to make the majors this season. Boggs wants to show he can do more than stick in the majors. "I feel like I've got a lot to prove this year," said Boggs, the Cardinals' righthanded reliever who spent a brief moment as the closer in 2011 before moving into a less-defined role. "Mentally, I'm in a better place than I've been in the past couple years. ... I've got high expectations. the last couple years -- they've been good, but they haven't been great. I"

Cards lefty Romero: 'My job was to clear my name'

January 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"In his first public appearance since he was able to talk publicly about settling a lawsuit that stemmed from his PED suspension, lefty reliever J.C. Romero said there was one important takeaway from his three-year fight. "I'm innocent," he said. "My job was to fight to the end and clear my name," he added later. "I achieved that." Romero, 35, signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals this winter, and he made his first appearance with the team Sunday on the second day of the annual Winter Warm-up. For the number-philes out there, he'll wear No. 16 in the coming season."

Berkman may be perfect candidate for Astros' first full-time DH in 2013

January 16

Houston Chronicle

"This time next year the Astros will be involved in a different kind of search – pursuing a permanent designated hitter as the organization prepares for its first season in the American League West. Over the years, Houston has used the opportunity of interleague games to rest some of its regulars and get others at bats in the regular lineup. Though Carlos Lee has taken most of the DH ABs recently, both Jason Michaels and Lance Berkman have had drawn some of the assignments. Jeff Bagwell, Berkman, Lee and even Craig Biggio have served as the Astros' DH over the years, but mostly only to give their bodies a break from playing in the field a few games."

Carpenter: Pujols should be praised, not 'beat up'

January 15

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Chris Carpenter, the pitching hero of last year's Cardinals World Series run, made an appearance at the Cardinals Winter Warm-Up today and talked about past successes and the somewhat uncertain future. "There's a lot of excitment around this ball club, after everything that went on at the end," said Carpenter. "It went from excitement to a little bit of sadness with Tony (manager Tony La Russa retired). And obviously with Albert (Pujols) leaving, it brought some questions, but I'm excited about the opportunity we're going to have. "Losing Albert is a big thing, but that is the game. The things that he brought to this organization and this community are enormous and he should be praised for"

Greene to get opportunity to start at 2B

January 15

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"During his one conversation this winter with new manager Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals infielder Tyler Greene received one new set of marching orders for his offseason. Take some grounders at second base, Matheny suggested to the lifelong shortstop. The reason became more obvious Saturday when general manager John Mozeliak suggested that Greene will get "a strong opportunity" to be the starter at second base. Also in the mix will be Daniel Descalso and Skip Schumaker. "I have a little more experience on the left side," Greene said this afternoon during the first day of the annual Winter Warm-up. "I've spent a lot of time at second this offseason, getting reps." Greene was a first-round"

Wainwright on track for normal Spring Training

January 15

MLB.com

"It could well turn out that ten-plus months from now, when the Cardinals sit back to reflect upon their 2012 season, they will point out that the biggest boost of this offseason came not from some external addition, but rather from the return of an All-Star arm. The formidability of the club's rotation depends largely on the return of Adam Wainwright, who 10 1/2 months ago was undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. At the time of the procedure, St. Louis remained optimistic that Wainwright would recover in time to enjoy an uninterrupted 2012 season. And certainly, a best-case scenario has since followed."

La Russa relives 2011 season with fans

January 14

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Former Redbirds manager Tony La Russa unofficially kicked off weekend festivities surrounding the club's Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up Friday night with a extended review of the '11 season before an enthusiastic crowd at the Peabody Opera House. La Russa and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Bob Costas moderated the 2 1/2-hour presentation before answering about an hour's worth of audience questions. Offering insight between extended replays of the team's wild-card run and World Series push, La Russa acknowledged his role in orchestrating retaliation against the Milwaukee Brewers and at least one other club last season. He also appealed to fans' sensibilities in respecting first baseman"

David Freese lives whirlwind life since World Series

January 13

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Every so often the price of fame comes knocking at the front door of Guy and Lynn Freese's Wildwood home. Typically polite but sometimes insistent, strangers will ask the couple if they can speak to their son, the postseason hero. "I usually tell them David used to live here but it's been awhile," says Guy. A supernova October transformed David Freese — Guy's son, a Lafayette High alum and the Cardinals' starting third baseman — from a local flavor into a national draw. Freese stepped into last October fighting fatigue and a slump that caused manager Tony La Russa to consider a time-share at third base. He left the month the headliner in the team's wild World Series parade and a guest on"

Yankees finding pitcher Edwin Jackson too pricey after Hal Steinbrenner meets with agent Scott Boras

January 13

New York Daily News

"It's not that the Yankees dislike Edwin Jackson. They simply dislike the price — and this late in the offseason, free agent prices can change quickly. A baseball official familiar with the Yankees' thinking called Hal Steinbrenner's Wednesday night meeting with agent Scott Boras "a courtesy," but the Yankees' aversion to Jackson relates only to the price, not the player. Boras was believed to be asking for a five-year deal at about $15 million per, but the request for a sit-down with Steinbrenner could signal a willingness to drop that. Jackson appeals to the Yankees, but the team is engaged in a long-term effort to reduce payroll. This winter, GM Brian Cashman is balancing that need with"

Will Motte be the 'closer' or just the 9th-inning guy?

January 12

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"QUESTION: How do you think Jason Motte will perform next season as the full-time closer in name and duty? Do you the think the pressure of being called "the closer" will affect him as much as Tony La Russa seemed to indicate might happen? JOE STRAUSS I believe any pressure associated with carrying the "closer" label is minimal compared to what is associated with closing postseason games. A better question may be how frequently Mike Matheny goes to Motte before spacing his appearances. For now, I simply hope Matheny doesn't excoriate media like his predecessor for using the term in connection with Motte. RICK HUMMEL Now that he has better command of his secondary pitches, Motte should be"

Yanks may make pitch for Jackson

January 12

New York Post

"The Yankees may open their wallet again this offseason, after all. A source confirmed that team owner Hal Steinbrenner met with Scott Boras, the agent for Edwin Jackson, about potentially working out a deal for the right-hander. If that sounds familiar, the two also talked last year around this time and the result was the acquisition of Rafael Soriano, who had an ugly first season in The Bronx. Both Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman have said they would like to upgrade the starting rotation, which still has considerable question marks after CC Sabathia, whom the Yankees signed to an extension after the season."

Cardinals to visit White House Jan. 17

January 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Perhaps not so fresh off their three-day Winter Warm-Up experience, many members of the Cardinals' World Series championship team will travel to the White House next Tuesday (Jan. 17) to meet with President Barack Obama. The White House has yet to formally announce the visit but the club has notified players of the opportunity. It remains unclear how large a contingent will travel to the White House ceremony as manager Tony La Russa and several of his coaches have left the club."

La Russa returns with 'Perspective'

January 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Former Redbirds manager Tony La Russa returns to St. Louis this weekend to participate in a flurry of activities surrounding his longtime employer's Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up. La Russa again will host his annual variety show, this time at the Peabody Opera House. But this year's twist is a unique event set for Friday night at the same venue. La Russa and St. Louis' Bob Costas will headline "World Series 2011 -- A Champ's Perspective" at 7 p.m. The future Hall of Fame manager and winner of three World Series titles will offer analysis and a sprinkling of humor during a three-part presentation in which his commentary accompanies excerpted footage from the MLB and Cardinals DVDs. Some"

Lilliquist ready to assume pitching coach duties

January 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Derek Lilliquist insists he won't try to reinvent the wheel as Cardinals pitching coach. He only wants to keep it turning. Named as Dave Duncan's successor on Friday, Lilliquist describes his promotion as "bittersweet" because of the family issues that caused the team's longtime pitching guru to step aside. Lilliquist believes the best tribute to his predecessor would be to extend the Cardinals' pitching success. "I don't see a reason to come in and change things around," said Lilliquist, who served as first-year bullpen coach during the Redbirds' World Series rush last season. "What 'Dunc' advocates has been proven to work, so why would you not maintain that philosophy?""

Rays, Red Sox, Cardinals may be fallbacks for Ryan Madson

January 8

Boston Globe

"Ryan Madson, RP, free agent - Doubtful that any team will give him the four years and $44 million he originally wanted from the Phillies, but he becomes a pretty good bargain if he is still looking for something later this month or into February. The Angels say they're not interested, but I just don't see how they can entrust their superb rotation to Jordan Walden, who blew 10 saves last season. When and if the price goes down, a lot of teams - including the Red Sox, Rays, and Cardinals - will be interested."