St. Louis Cardinals News

Julio Lugo hoping to return this weekend
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March 17
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Infielder Julio Lugo said his strained groin is feeling better and he hopes to return to action this weekend. Lugo, who is hitting .286 (6-for-21) this spring, strained his groin during his fourth at-bat on Saturday against the Astros. "I'm feeling good," Lugo said. "Running is the biggest deal…A couple of days and I'll be ready. Hopefully I'll be playing this weekend." Lugo figured to see reduced playing time this year with the addition of Felipe Lopez. But the veteran has played well both in the field and at the plate, causing manager Tony La Russa to say recently that Lugo "looks like he's 25." When asked if he felt 25 years old on Tuesday, Lugo replied, "I feel 23. Tell him he was ..."
Garcia pitching himself into conversation as fifth starter
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March 17
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"After being all but publicly eliminated from competition for the available fifth starter's spot in the Cardinals' rotation a few weeks ago, left-hander Jaime Garcia is pitching his way back into the conversation. Garcia tossed three more scoreless innings on Tuesday against the Nationals, striking out seven and allowing just one hit. In 8 2/3 innings over three appearances this spring, Garcia has 12 strikeouts and allowed just one run and three hits. "He's making the decision (tougher)," said manager Tony La Russa. "He's in the competition. That's why he's getting innings…He wouldn't have gotten three innings in this game today if he (wasn't being considered for the spot). You don't just ..."
St. Louis Cardinals are deep enough,Bill DeWitt says
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March 17
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. says he is more confident about the team's relative strength and its anticipated level of fan support entering this season but acknowledges the past year has left the minor-league system in need of replenishment. Stopping short of predicting a repeat of last season's NL Central title, DeWitt insisted "we have that potential." "Potential is one thing; doing it is another," DeWitt said. "I really don't pay attention to predictions that say we're going to win or finish second or third. The game is too uncertain. I just feel we're well positioned going into the season with a great chance to win a lot of games. We have a very good club. We should have a great ..."
Smoltz takes announcing jobs
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March 17
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Perhaps John Smoltz' s pitching career is over without him really making that announcement. Smoltz, who finished last season with the Cardinals and seemingly had hoped to play again this year, has signed on to be an analyst for the Sunday afternoon major league telecasts on TBS, to become part of the Major League Baseball Network announcing team and to do 45 Atlanta Braves games on Peachtree Television."
La Russa upset by Pujols trade rumor
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March 16
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Manager Tony La Russa took offense to a report on ESPN.com which said the Phillies were having internal discussions about proposing a swap of first baseman Ryan Howard for Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols. Speaking before the Cardinals played the New York Mets on Monday, La Russa was asked what he thought of the report. "Who wrote that?" La Russa said. "The person who came up with that one should be tracked down…their credibility just took a huge hit. It's ridiculous, actually." When told the report was written by veteran writer Buster Olney, La Russa replied, "I doubt that. I'd be shocked if it was him." Both Pujols and Howard will be free agents after the 2011 season. Howard, a St. ..."
Brad Penny seeing improvement as he continues work on sinker
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March 16
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"A year after Joel Pineiro used spring training to transform himself into a sinkerball pitcher, Brad Penny may be beginning to follow suit. The right-hander was treated to mixed results on Monday as he continued to mix the sinker into his repertoire of pitches in his third start of the spring. Penny gave up three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings of work, but more importantly, began to get a better feel for his new pitch. "I think it was the first time in my career I got three outs in the inning with sinkers," Penny said. "I told (Dave) Duncan when I came in…I threw a lot of sinkers today and I got a lot of ground balls out of it. I don't know how many ground balls got through, four or ..."
La Russa, Pujols irritated about trade rumors
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March 16
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals are quickly discovering that enjoying the game's premier player comes with a price. Three-time NL Most Valuable Player Albert Pujols is two seasons shy of reaching free agency. However, his insistence that he will not engage in negotiations for an extension once the season begins and his subsequent leverage to veto any trade have already incited a speculative flash fire. A day after declining to address published innuendo by ESPN citing a claim by anonymous sources that the Philadelphia Phillies were willing to offer first baseman Ryan Howard for Pujols, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said Monday, "We're not trading him ... period." Mozeliak had little else to say on ..."
Penny takes a couple of shots
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March 16
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals starting pitcher Brad Penny lasted 3 2/3 innings and 71 pitches in his team's 6-5 loss to the New York Mets. Penny allowed two first-inning runs, but his worst damage came on two balls back to the mound that left him with a swollen right forearm and bruised left ankle. Penny's act of self-defense against left fielder Jason Bay's first-inning shot to the mound may have saved him more serious injury as the screamer was headed toward his face. Trainer Barry Weinberg tended to Penny, who lobbied to stay in the game. The Mets added another shot when center fielder Fernando Martinez smoked a ball that ricocheted off Penny's right ankle. Both areas were heavily bandaged afterward. "They ..."
Mo' Confirms the Obvious: Albert Going Nowhere
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March 16
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak was making a move toward his rental car moments after Thursday's 6-5 walk-off loss to the New York Mets when he was overtaken by a question about first baseman Albert Pujols' possible availability for trade. Mozeliak initially had no comment Sunday about an ESPN report about the Philadelphia Phillies contemplating a trade proposal of first baseman Ryan Howard for the Cardinals' three-time NL MVP, Albert Pujols. Monday, he sought to quash any percolating intrigue. "We're not trading him… period," Mozeliak said before making his getaway with assistant GM John Abbamondi."
Howard unfazed by 'false' trade rumor
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March 15
MLB.com
 
"Ryan Howard spoke and Shane Victorino chanted. "Al-bert! Al-bert! Al-bert!" Howard on Monday morning addressed an ESPN.com story that the Phillies have discussed proposing a Howard-for-Albert Pujols swap. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said, "It's unequivocally false," on Sunday night. Howard gathered his thoughts before he addressed reporters in the Phillies' clubhouse at Bright House Field. Victorino said Pujols' name in the distance, ending the interview as Howard cracked up. "I don't really have anything to say about it, to be honest with you, really, truthfully," Howard said. "I can go back to all the stuff that happened when I was in Double-A and all the talk about trade ..."
Wainwright feels better after second outing
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March 15
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Adam Wainwright was very critical of his own performance in his first start of the spring against the Minnesota Twins. In his second start on Sunday, he was much more forgiving. "I wasn't at my best today," said Wainwright, who pitched on a day when the wind was consistently blowing between 20 and 25 miles an hour. "But my purpose with each pitch was much better. My stuff was not as sharp as I like it, but I knew the intent of the pitch, and that was what I was trying to accomplish. "If you have a plan for each pitch and you can execute it most of the time, you're going to have success." Wainwright singled out a couple of pitches in particular which he would have liked to have thrown ..."
Strasburg's performance leaves Cardinal hitters impressed
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March 15
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"The sample size was admittedly very small. In his three innings or work against the Cardinals on Sunday, Stephen Strasburg threw 49 pitches. It was how he threw those 49 pitches, however, which impressed almost everyone wearing a St. Louis uniform. Strasburg, the number one pick in last year's amateur draft and the recipient of the largest signing bonus in the 45-year history of the draft, started for the Washington Nationals against the Cardinals in his second appearance of the spring. Cardinal players and manager Tony La Russa, who had heard and read all of the hype, were happy to have a first-hand opportunity to see if what they witnessed in person could match the advance billing. The ..."
Left side of St. Louis Cardinals' infield remains question mark
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March 15
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals entered spring training looking to youth on the left side of their infield. Three weeks shy of opening day, the defending NL Central champion still is searching for a glimpse of consistency. Injuries and roster realities have made third baseman David Freese and shortstop Tyler Greene two of camp's most oft-seen talents. Dicey weather and perhaps their own sense of immediacy so far have prevented them from resembling constants. "If it's a question of pressure, there is pressure at this level every day," said Freese, who offset two early strikeouts with a late RBI in the Redbirds' 7-3 exhibition victory Sunday over Washington at Space Coast Stadium. "I've been waiting for this. ..."
Nationals' Strasburg impresses Cards
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March 15
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals righthander Adam Wainwright led the National League in wins with 19 last year and, in some circles, was seen as the rightful winner of the Cy Young Award. But he almost was like a warmup act Sunday, what with Stephen Strasburg, the highly touted No. 1 selection in the 2009 amateur draft, pitching for the Washington Nationals. Wainwright worked four effective innings on yet another windy day, giving up a run-scoring triple to good friend Adam Kennedy of the Nationals in a two-run Washington third. Strasburg blanked the Cardinals on two hits over three innings, walking one before the rest of the Washington staff walked 10 more hitters, enabling the Cardinals, winning their fourth ..."
Phillies GM Amaro denies swap talks
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March 14
ESPN.com
 
"It's the sort of thing that is much more likely to happen in fantasy baseball than in real life, but according to sources, an idea has been kicked around the Phillies' organization internally, with discussions about proposing a swap of slugger Ryan Howard for St. Louis superstar Albert Pujols. It's not fully clear whether the Phillies actually have approached the Cardinals with the idea, and even if St. Louis were to seriously consider such an offer, executives with the Cardinals would have to swallow very hard before dealing Pujols, a player widely regarded as the best in the sport."
Joe Mather making his versatility count for Cardinals
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March 14
Palm Beach Post
 
"Although David Freese has been given every opportunity to win the third-base job, Joe Mather is proving why he will be just as valuable to the St. Louis Cardinals. Although Mather was considered a candidate for the position entering spring training, he has not played an inning at third, starting games at first base, left field and serving as the designated hitter. "That's just as much a position, a guy who moves around maybe doesn't play everyday but plays two out of three and plays different positions," Mather said. "If you don't have a guy that can move around, it hurts the team." Mather started his second straight game in left field during the Cardinals' 8-5 victory over Houston ..."
Pujols gets back in swing after sitting for a week
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March 14
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"With the coach of the New England Patriots sitting across from him in his office, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said, "I'm going to try to be Bill Belichick in this interview." For those who have witnessed a Belichick press conference, this means name, rank and serial number, if that much. To the first question asked of him - if it was hard to evaluate his pitchers in light of the boisterous wind at Roger Dean Stadium Saturday in the Cardinals' 8-5 win over Houston - La Russa responded, "Not really," as Belichick nearly doubled over in laughter. But to a subsequent question regarding the first appearance in a week of three-time National League Most Valuable Player Albert Pujols, La ..."
Oquendo stills wants chance to be major league manager
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March 13
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"If Jose Oquendo needs a reminder that his dream of some day becoming a major league manager can still come true, all he has to do is look into the visiting dugout on Saturday when the Cardinals play the Houston Astros. A year ago at this time, Brad Mills was in much the same position as Oquendo, a baseball-lifer with a glittering resume, the last six years spent coaching under Terry Francona in Boston. At the age of 52, he was hired by the Astros as their new manager last October. What Mills needed was the same thing Joe Maddon needed when he was hired by Tampa Bay in 2005 after coaching for the Angels for 10 years, the same thing Ron Gardenhire needed when he replaced Tom Kelly in ..."
Albert Pujols is expected back Saturday
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March 13
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Albert is coming back. At least that is the Cardinals' hope for today's Grapefruit League game with Houston after first baseman Albert Pujols put himself through some aggressive cage work Friday. "My back feels better today than it did yesterday,'' Pujols said later. "It's improving. So right now I plan to play'' today. After arriving in camp with an elbow cleared of bone spurs, Pujols has played in only two games so far, last appearing a week ago today. He since has received multiple chiropractic adjustments on his lower back. La Russa initially wrote Pujols into Wednesday's lineup at first base before switching the three-time National League MVP to designated hitter. But after sitting ..."
Ryan eyes March 20 for return to lineup
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March 12
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Cardinals shortstop Brendan Ryan is hoping to return to the starting lineup a week from Saturday on March 20. Manager Tony La Russa doesn't seem as optimistic. Ryan told reporters on Thursday morning that he plans to begin taking batting practice on Friday, which would put him on a schedule that would have him ready to start in a game eight days later on March 20. But after being told of Ryan's proclamation, La Russa seemed to think otherwise. "As soon as you move Brendan into that office instead of a locker, you're better off asking me when he's going to play," La Russa said. Ryan was listed as an available pinch runner on La Russa's lineup card for Thursday's game with the Florida ..."
Intrique surrounds bullpen, battle for fifth starter's spot heats up
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March 12
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Blake Hawksworth and Mitchell Boggs are expected to be key parts of manager Tony La Russa's bullpen. Thankfully for both, La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan won't be making their decisions based on the two's brief outings thus far this spring. Hawksworth has made just one appearance, giving up three runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings against Florida on Sunday. Boggs has appeared in two games, allowing four runs on seven hits in four innings. "That's why you don't even begin to grade their stuff until they've pitched enough to where they are in shape," La Russa said. "So you are going to tell Hawksworth and Boggs, 'I'll tell you what, you want to be the eighth inning guy, were going to ..."
Garcia makes strong pitch for roster spot
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March 12
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Thursday at Roger Dean Stadium offered Jaime Garcia his toughest challenge of camp. A hard wind blew from the right field foul pole to the left, complicating Garcia's running sinker. He walked three hitters in a relief outing that lasted 2 2/3 innings. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan thought Garcia had started to labor and were considering lifting him just as Florida Marlins non-roster infielder Donnie Murphy smoked a two-out RBI triple that skipped past center fielder Jon Jay's dive. Garcia's day was over. He departed the seventh inning down 1-0 in a game that the Cardinals rescued with a five-run ninth. But on a three-walk day he considered his least ..."
Lohse looks sharp vs. Marlins
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March 12
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Spring training results can be misleading. The Cardinals hope the last two days' are not. Kyle Lohse on Thursday became the latest Cardinals starter to make a tidy appearance, as he held the Florida Marlins to two hits without a walk in four shutout innings. Lohse's performance came one day after Brad Penny also worked four shutout innings. Lohse, who failed to clear three innings in his first Grapefruit League outing, noted some difficulty maintaining his balance at times during a gusty afternoon but was encouraged by his improved stamina. Lohse was also efficient: He threw only 48 pitches to 13 hitters while admittedly benefiting from several strong defensive plays. To reach his ..."
Miller family enjoys dream day after 22-hour drive pays off
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March 11
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Mitch Miller had barely found his seat at Roger Dean Stadium on Wednesday when he looked down to the Cardinals bullpen and saw No. 91 stand up and begin to throw. After driving 22 hours from his home in Brownwood, Texas, stopping for only three hours to take a nap, Miller arrived at the park not even 15 minutes before his son, 19-year-old Shelby Miller, began to warm up in the Cardinals bullpen. After thinking they had no chance of making it in time, Mitch, his daughter, Sydney, and father-in-law, Charles Pruett, watched proudly as their son, brother and grandson trotted out to the mound to make his first appearance with the Cardinals, barely 10 months after graduating high school. "You ..."
Right-hander Eric Hurley progressing
Comment
March 11
Dallas Morning News
 
"Right-hander Eric Hurley continues to make strides in his return from rotator cuff surgery in January 2009. He is throwing bullpen sessions every third day and hopes to face batters in two weeks. "The velocity is coming," he said. "I still can't cut it loose. I threw one the other day and they told me to tone it down." Hurley is using the time to work on his pitches."
Ex-Cardinal Duncan gets fresh start with Washington
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March 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"While several members of the Cardinals' were irked, even angered, by the turbulent end last season to Chris Duncan's time with the club, the outfielder's view was more pragmatic, even understanding. It had nothing to do with how he felt or how others felt about him. It was all about how he played. "Bottom line, I wasn't playing well and we were competing for a pennant," Duncan said before the Cardinals' exhibition game Wednesday against Washington, his new team. It was his first game ever against the Cards and his father, pitching coach Dave Duncan. "Every opportunity that I got and I didn't play well was costing the team games." He was traded to Boston for Julio Lugo, then released. He ..."
Ex-Cardinal Duncan gets fresh start with Washington
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March 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"While several members of the Cardinals' were irked, even angered, by the turbulent end last season to Chris Duncan's time with the club, the outfielder's view was more pragmatic, even understanding. It had nothing to do with how he felt or how others felt about him. It was all about how he played. "Bottom line, I wasn't playing well and we were competing for a pennant," Duncan said before the Cardinals' exhibition game Wednesday against Washington, his new team. It was his first game ever against the Cards and his father, pitching coach Dave Duncan. "Every opportunity that I got and I didn't play well was costing the team games." He was traded to Boston for Julio Lugo, then released. He ..."
Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday both hurting
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March 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Originally scheduled to start at first base Wednesday, Albert Pujols was a late scratch with continued back discomfort, and he said he probably won't play until this weekend. That is still sooner than Matt Holliday will return, manager Tony La Russa said. Both players will miss at least the next few days of spring games as they recover from injuries. Holliday felt a pinch in his side working out Wednesday, straining a muscle in his rib cage. Pujols said after batting practice Wednesday morning his back felt weak and that he could take a few more days to mend. "Matt says it's not as bad as they say it is. It's not day-to-day (though)," La Russa said. "Albert has a pain in his lower back ..."
Heart of the Cardinals' order is hurting
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March 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Originally scheduled to start at first base Wednesday, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was a late scratch due to continued back discomfort, and he said he likely won't play until this weekend. That is still sooner than Matt Holliday will return, manager Tony La Russa said. The sluggers in the middle of the Cardinals order will miss at least the next few days of spring games as they recover from injuries. Holliday felt a pinch in his side working out Wednesday, straining a muscle in his rib cage. Pujols said after batting practice Wednesday morning his back felt weak and that he could take a few more days to mend. "Matt says it's not as bad as they say it is. It's not ..."
Pujols set to return to Cards' lineup
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March 10
MLB.com
 
"Albert Pujols returned to the Cardinals' lineup on Wednesday after missing two games due to a sore back. Pujols had been slated to play on Monday in Fort Myers, but he was scratched from that trip after coming down with some back discomfort on Sunday. Pujols took batting practice on Tuesday at the Cardinals' complex at Roger Dean Stadium but did not rejoin the club for its second day in Fort Myers."
La Russa unhappy with slow start
Comment
March 10
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"In the large scheme of things, how many games the Cardinals win or lose this spring really doesn't matter. Take the Kansas City Royals for example, who have had the best record in the American League in spring training three times in the last 10 years. Or the 1989 Chicago Cubs, who went 9-23 in spring training and went on to win the National League East. How about the 2005 Chicago White Sox, who went 14-18 in spring training before winning the World Series that year. So the Cardinals' 1-5 start after six Grapefruit League games shouldn't be of great concern. But the way they are losing them, however, could be. The Cardinals have committed at least one error in five of their six games and ..."
Wainwright struggles with focus, gets roughed up by Twins
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March 10
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Adam Wainwright has pitched the final out in a World Series clinching game, so it's understandable if he doesn't have the same intensity and focus during a meaningless spring start on March 9. But don't try telling that to Wainwright, who gave up four runs on five hits in just two innings of work in his first start of the spring on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins. "It matters," Wainwright said. "It's not a question of stuff. It's a matter of taking the right focus out on the mound and mental approach to each hitter. Today I didn't do that. Stuff wise, I wasn't as sharp as I have been…but I had better stuff than it looked like I had. "It definitely matters. It's not one of those 'it's ..."
Focus-pocus sinks St. Louis Cardinals
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March 10
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright called it a good thing that he "got lit up" for four runs by Minnesota in his first spring training start. It reinforced the price of lacking mental sharpness. Not using spring as a shield to excuse a rocky initial outing, Wainwright described Tuesday how he "wasn't sharp" and lacked the "right focus" in his first two innings of Grapefruit League play. Told later of the righthander's pointed, personal criticism, manager Tony La Russa was surprised by the tone but understanding of the theme. "He knows it's not acceptable, not when you're of that elite status," La Russa said. "It happens to everybody but ... unacceptable. Whatever it was, if he says he ..."
Pujols misses trip with lower back pain
Comment
March 9
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"After he arrived at Roger Dean Stadium early Monday morning with pain in his lower back, the Cardinals decided to leave first baseman Albert Pujols in Jupiter when they left for Fort Myers. "Stiff lower back," general manager John Mozeliak said after arriving in Fort Myers. "He's feeling much better now. It's just precautionary because obviously having close to a three-hour bus ride over here, we just thought it made more sense to allow him today and see how he feels tomorrow morning and then make a decision about tomorrow then." Pujols received treatment at the Cardinals complex Monday and showed noticeable improvement as the morning went on. "I just spoke to one of our trainers back ..."
Carpenter feeling strong after giving up one run in spring debut
Comment
March 9
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"After throwing three live batting practice sessions in cool, windy conditions back in Jupiter, Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter was relieved when he saw the Monday forecast in Fort Myers called for no wind and temperatures in the low 70's. Carpenter made his first start of the spring against the Boston Red Sox, giving up one run on four hits in two innings of work in the Cardinals eventual 7-6 walk-off loss. "It was nice to get out there and actually get a sweat going a little bit and be able to hold onto the baseball," Carpenter said. "It felt good. It was exciting to get back out there in a competitive situation. "I came into today wanting to get into a real game situation and ..."
Mark McGwire shrinks from questions
Comment
March 9
Boston Herald
 columnist Ron Borges
"Mark McGwire made good use of the batting cage yesterday at City of Palms Park. It had his blind side covered better than Michael Oher would have. At one time, the batting cage was open to all. A person with a question could stand there and spit on the ground just like anyone else allowed on the field before the game, chewing the fat with managers, coaches and players about baseball matters and things that didn't matter. These days you may stand there if you like, but if you're chewing the fat it's because you have a piece of suet between your teeth. Yesterday McGwire, when approached by a few reporters before the game between the Red Sox and Cardinals - the latter for whom he now works as ..."
Stiff back sidelines Pujols
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March 9
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Slowed by what two Cardinals officials called minor back stiffness, first baseman Albert Pujols did not make a scheduled start Monday and, according to manager Tony La Russa, won't be in the lineup until Wednesday at the earliest. Pujols was expected to join the team for Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox at City of Palms Park, but instead he remained back in Jupiter, Fla., in part so he could visit a chiropractor. Pujols experienced stiffness in his lower back Sunday, and he described the procedure as an adjustment. "It's been bothering me some so I got it looked at," Pujols said before leaving the Cardinals' training complex in Jupiter. "I don't want to push it if it's going to set ..."
Pujols sits with discomfort in back
Comment
March 8
MLB.com
 
"Albert Pujols will miss at least two games as a result of discomfort in his lower back. The three-time National League Most Valuable Player first felt something on Sunday afternoon, and on Monday morning the Cardinals elected to scratch him from their road trip to Fort Myers. Pujols had been scheduled to make the trip to play Monday, then return to Jupiter, Fla., rather than play in Tuesday's game against the Twins in Fort Myers. "He's not going to make the trip tomorrow," manager Tony La Russa said. "We'll definitely give him tomorrow. Even if we were playing at home, I don't think he'd play. We'll see how he feels on Wednesday.""
McClellan, Hill impress as battle begins for fifth starter's spot
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March 8
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"If manager Tony La Russa was going to pick a fifth starter based on Sunday's stats, Kyle McClellan would be out to a slim early lead. McClellan started and pitched three scoreless innings. Left-hander Rich Hill followed and gave up one run in two innings. But the competition appears far from over. Both McClellan and Hill looked impressive against the Marlins on Sunday, knowing that a spot in the starting rotation was on the line. "They both know that there is a spot open," La Russa said. "You're not just pitching for show. They are trying to be the guy. "You watch McClellan and you watch Hill and it proves a point that it may be uncomfortable, but it's better for the pitcher or the player ..."
Mather off to hot start as he tries to make team
Comment
March 8
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"While the two hits and four RBIs for Joe Mather were important for the Cardinals' 7-4 win over the Marlins on Sunday, they really were immaterial for any other reason to manager Tony La Russa. All La Russa wants to see out of Mather this spring is to prove that he is healthy. "If he's healthy he's got a real shot," La Russa said. " I just want to see him swing the bat. He's a player." Mather endured a series of nagging injuries last year, when he also reported to spring training with a legitimate chance of making the major-league roster. One of his attributes is his versatility of being able to play first, third and any of the outfield spots. Sunday, La Russa originally was going to start ..."
McClellan has strong start in Cardinals' win over Florida Marlins
Comment
March 8
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Accustomed to pitching with little more than the advanced warning of a phone call to the bullpen, Kyle McClellan laughed about how Sunday's start felt like he had been "preparing for six months." He wasn't talking only about an anxious morning. But he could have been. "All that sitting around," McClellan said. "I feel like I pitched that game in my head 48 times. I faced lefthand hitters and righthand hitters all day, in my head. I'm very impatient. That's my biggest struggle, waiting for game time." If the pre-game routine revealed his newness to the role, McClellan's actual start was an opening display of assuredness. After spending the offseason slimming down and shaping his arm for a ..."
Cardinals' pitcher Josh Kinney says he's feeling much better
Comment
March 8
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Josh Kinney came to spring training last year interested in more than showing he was healthy, more than even making the team. Buoyed by a brief but scoreless series of appearances in September 2008, Kinney was eyeing the available job of closer. "Last year, we had a closer competition (and) ... being a closer, that pumps me up," Kinney said Sunday. "The whole offseason, I'd go to the gym and I would run and I'd think, 'I'd love to be the closer, and I can do it.' So that's in my head. I come in here trying to shine. How do you get the closer job? You go out there and make guys look foolish. I was trying to strike guys out with the first pitch." "This year," he added, "it's totally ..."
Cardinals Notebook: Lohse pleased after first spring start
Comment
March 7
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Feeling normal on the mound for the first time since last May, Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse gave up one run on six hits in 2 2/3 innings of work in his first start of the spring. "I felt good out there," Lohse said of Saturday's outing against the Florida Marlins. "I left some balls up. That's something to work on. Obviously, I didn't throw a whole lot out of the windup. I worked some stuff out today out of the stretch which was good. I have a couple things to work on, and that's what it's all about right now. "I felt like I made some good pitches. When it's early like this, you're just happy to get your work in. I would have liked to finish a little better than that but it's not too bad." ..."
Franklin begins what he hopes will be another stellar season
Comment
March 7
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"One day after celebrating his 37th birthday, Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin celebrated his start of another season by pitching two scoreless innings. But because he was pitching the fifth and sixth innings in Saturday's eventual 6-5 loss to the Florida Marlins, Franklin was able to measure his success entirely on a personal level. He allowed just one hit, a two-out single by Scott Cousins in the fifth, as he retired six of the seven batters he faced. It was, he said, a very routine performance. "This is a new year and I'm going to try my best to try and be strong all the way until the end," Franklin said. Manager Tony La Russa was pleased with how Franklin pitched in his second inning of ..."
Cardinals to 0-3 as Marlins win on walk-off hit in 10th
Comment
March 7
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
 
"Former Cardinal Hector Luna's walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th inning broke a 5-5 game and gave the Florida Marlins a 6-5 win over the Cardinals on Saturday at Roger Dean Stadium. Tyler Henley's two-run single with the bases loaded in the sixth inning and a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Dan Descalso tied the score 5-5 before Luna's heroics. Henley also gunned down a man at the plate earlier in the game. A botched double-play ball that could have ended the inning turned into four runs for the Florida Marlins in the fourth inning. With one out and runners at first and second in the fourth, Tyler Greene fielded a routine double-play ball at short. But his throw to second was wild, ..."
Pitching with conviction
Comment
March 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"A believer in the "big power in positive thinking" with an appetite for self-help books, lefthanded pitcher Rich Hill conceded even he had to prepare for the worst going into surgery last fall. Hill arrived at the operating room expecting to have his labrum reattached in his left shoulder, a procedure that has a complicated recovery. But when he was revived, the surgeon told him something unexpected. Something positive. "I was very lucky," Hill said, explaining how only a thread of the labrum had to be repaired and not the whole liner within the joint. "You're already there. You've bought in. Rehabbing or not really isn't an option when you're getting anesthesia. It's, hey, you have to ..."
Franklin is tired of rehashing '09 fade
Comment
March 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Ryan Franklin listened to the doubters all winter. It was as if his struggles over the season's last month erased every good thing he had done in the first five, including becoming the Cardinals' only pitching representative on the NL All-Star team. He has been approached this spring about last season ad nauseam. Saturday, Franklin offered his response in two ways. The Cardinals closer first worked two scoreless innings against the Florida Marlins in the Cardinals' 10-inning, 6-5 loss at Roger Dean Stadium. He later responded to anyone questioning the legitimacy of his 2009 season. Asked if he would take a repeat of last season's numbers - a 1.92 ERA, 38 saves, a .220 opponents average ..."
St. Louis Cardinals already planning way to keep Albert Pujols
Comment
March 7
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Road games in spring training are generally of diminished interest to teams. They often only bring a handful of regulars along with candidates for the final spots on the roster. But these games have a special significance to the Cardinals. More than almost any team in the majors, the quality of their farm system is imperative. Thus, those weren't empty innings that the likes of Eduardo Sanchez and Francisco Samuel threw when the visiting Cardinals lost to the Mets, 17-11, on Thursday, with Samuel surrendering six runs. After trading away five prospects to get Matt Holliday and Mark DeRosa last summer, including four of the team's top six in Baseball America's ratings, unproven General ..."