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02/08  Albert Pujols - Cardinals head trainer Barry Weinberg and general manager Walt Jocketty report that about two weeks ago Pujols had follow-up OssaTron treatment for his plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Apparently the treatment went very well and Pujols and the team are hopeful that the problem has been defeated, the Cardinals' official site reports.

02/07  Albert Pujols - MLB.com is reporting that the first baseman underwent a follow-up OssaTron treatment that was successful and now he is hopeful the condition has been cleared up.

02/04  Best Bang for the Buck - Glendon Rusch, who was last season's rotation hero filling in for the injured Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, is expected to get the fifth rotation spot, but GM Jim Hendry didn't rule out competition from some of the team's prospects, most likely Sergio Mitre, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Rusch had been named Mileur's Best Bang for the Buck, among the 2005 Class of free agent  pitchers, last year's Best Bang for the Buck pitcher was Jeff Suppan, and the rest is history.

02/04  Julian Tavarez - got lit up in the Caribbean World Series getting tagged with a loss.  In four innings he gave up            five runs on three hits, walking three along the way.  His ERA stands at 6.75 in what I would call Double A ball.  Ok maybe low AAA ball.  In defense of Tavarez, which you won't find me doing very often, his defense did let him down a couple of times.

02/02  Walt Jocketty - The Cardinals have re-signed Jocketty, who is the second-longest tenured general manager in the National League, to a three-year extension through the 2007 season.

Jocketty's tenure with the Cardinals is greater than that of his five fellow GMs, combined, within the division. Only Atlanta's John Schuerholz and Minnesota's Terry Ryan have longer tenure with their current clubs.

02/01  Cubs - Major-league sources said Monday night that Burnitz will decide in the next couple of days where he plans to sign for next season and added that the Cubs remain a serious contender in his thinking, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The Associated Press reported late Monday that the Cubs were nearing a one-year agreement with Burnitz with a mutual option for 2006. If Burnitz chooses the Cubs, they wouldn't be able to announce his signing until after Sammy Sosa passes his physical in Baltimore. That is believed to be a formality, but the Cubs wouldn't want to chance signing Burnitz and then learn Sosa failed the physical.

01/31  Astros' Ace? - Andy Pettitte (elbow) still hasn't cut loose from a mound in his rehab that began in December, the Houston Chronicle reports. Right now Pettitte is just working on building his arm strength by playing long toss and throwing casually from a mound.

Mileur's take:  Pettitte may not be ready to pitch until almost the All Star Break.  The Astros and the Cubs are both in trouble and may find it hard to stay ahead of even the Pirates and Reds.

01/31  JD Drew - JD gets his wish, it appears that he will be playing centerfield for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season.  The oft injured outfielder figures playing center could cut down on his potential of getting hurt, in that he doesn't have to make those sudden stops for walls or even crash into walls.  (JD crashing into walls?)  Anyway good luck JD.

01/29  Sammy Sosa - ESPN reports the Baltimore Orioles have traded 2B Jerry Hairston Jr. to the Chicago Cubs, along with two minor leaguers, in exchange for OF Sammy Sosa. The deal is contingent on Sosa passing a physical and waiving his no-trade clause.

01/29  Sammy Sosa - I'll be glad when this phoney is out of the NL Central. The Cubs appear to have reached a deal sending Sosa to the Orioles, pending medicals,league approval and Sosa waiving his no-trade clause, the Associated

Press reports.

The Cubs would receive Jerry Hairston Jr. and prospects, while paying a hefty portion of Sosa's 2005 salary.

01/28  Sammy Sosa - deal appears almost complete - Sosa to Baltimore

01/28  Sammy Sosa - GM Jim Hendry had trade negotiations involving Sosa over the telephone Thursday with Orioles executive VP Jim Beattie and Nationals GM Jim Bowden, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Moreover, a new mystery club also has become involved in the talks this week, but the team's publicity-shy GM wants to stay anonymous for the time being.

01/28  Walt Jocketty - Inside sources report they are confident a deal will be worked out between the Cardinals & Walt Jocketty.

01/28  Lance Berkman -  Houston Astros - Re-signed outfielder Lance Berkman to a one-year contract.

01/28  Brady Clark - Milwaukee Brewers - Agreed to terms with outfielder Brady Clark on a one-year contract.

01/26  Walt Jocketty - What we thought was a no-brainer, that is resigning Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty to a new contract may turn out to be a big problem.  Rumors have it that the Diamondbacks plan to fire, or at least demote, general manager Joe Garagiola, who's been with Arizona since Day One, if they can hire GM Walt Jocketty, whose contract with St. Louis has expired.

The Cardinals recent offer to Jocketty is well below market value and is an insult and frankly an embarrassment.

01/25  Carlos Delgado - ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports the Florida Marlins and 1B Carlos Delgado (Blue Jays) have agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with a vesting option which would make it five years and $64 million.

01/24  Sammy Sosa - According to the Daily Herald,  "The New York Mets remain an option for a Sosa trade, particularly if they fail to sign free-agent first baseman Carlos Delgado. Some believe Mets GM Omar Minaya will come back to Hendry about Sosa if Delgado winds up with Florida, Texas or Baltimore." 

01/24  John Franco - Sunday the ageless John Franco at the age of 44 agreed to terms with the Houston Astros for 1 year for $700,000.00.  The Astros are in big trouble going into the 2005 season but Franco should provide some help in the bullpen.  Franco has a 0.00 ERA in five games and 5 1-3 innings at hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

01/23  Sammy Sosa - A Cubs source confided Friday that it continues to appear Sosa will not be traded before spring training, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

01/23  Robb Nen - Even though he won't be ready to start the season, Nen could still find himself in a Cubs uniform before February. The Cubs are negotiating with Nen, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

01/22  Barry Larkin - Larkin is leaning towards accepting a management position with the Nationals instead of playing somewhere this year, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

01/21  Nomar Garciaparra - said he has been going through rigorous baseball drills with no problems, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "The Achilles' is feeling really good," he said.  Rotowire reminds us that even though Garciaparra expects to be 100 percent healthy for the start of spring training, that an Achilles' strain is the type of injury that is hard to permanently shake.

01/20  Barry Larkin - Larkin is leaning toward retirement after the Reds declined to offer him a contract, his agent told Sporting News Radio, today.  There hasn't been much talk about Barry Larkin in the past 30 days.

01/20  Mark Mulder -  "People kept asking if I was hurt, and I almost wish I had been, because I would have had an excuse," he said. "But it wasn't that. I was fine. It's just that mentally I was not there. It's a bad excuse, it's not an excuse, but mentally, I think I got exhausted. It's just that when [Tim Hudson] got hurt (in late June), I put a lot of pressure on myself to win every time out. I think I started trying too hard, and there was a stretch around the same time where I couldn't make a mistake, they were all one-run games. I think it wore me down."

Pitching Coach Dave Duncan will have another project going into spring training, getting Mulder and his mechanics back on the right track.  It appears that there was not an injury and his problems were related to fatigue and pressure.

01/20 The Bench - From MLB.com's Matt Leach; Questions remain on the bench as well. Hector Luna might be a utilityman, or he might be the everyday shortstop at Triple-A Memphis. Luna could become the starting shortstop in a year or two with Eckstein moving to second. Hart is a long shot to win a spot, but he'll at least get a chance. Minor league signee Abraham Nunez has the advantage of being a left-handed hitter, so he will get a long look in Spring Training.

01/20 Barry Larkin - Nationals GM Jim Bowden said team officials held a conference call with infielder Barry Larkin this week. Larkin, 40, hasn't decided if he'll return for a 20th season in the majors. "If he does play, I think we have as good a chance as any at signing him," Bowden said.  The Cardinals had expressed some interest in Larking prior to signing David Eckstein, we haven't heard anything else that would indicate Larkin would get anything more than an invite to spring training.  If Larkin hit left-handed he would have a better shot at getting a spot on the Cardinals bench.

01/20  Julio Lugo - According the teams official website, The Devil Rays will likely have B.J. Upton start the 2005 season at Triple-A, which would leave Lugo as the team's probable shortstop on Opening Day.  There had been talks at one time that the Cardinals might be interested in signing Lugo before he accepted arbitration.  Lugo could be traded in 2005 or 06, but it is a million to one shot he would ever come to St. Louis.

On the 01/19 The St. Petersburg Times reports Tampa Bay Devil Rays SS Julio Lugo is asking for $3.8 million in arbitration after making $2.2 million last season while hitting .275 with seven homers and 75 RBI. The Devil Rays offered $3.1 million.

01/17  Roberto Alomar - ESPN.com reports the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have agreed with 2B Roberto Alomar (White Sox) on a one-year deal pending a physical. Alomar is expected to play every day.

01/17  Roberto Alomar - from the St. Louis Post Dispatch: La Russa and general manager Walt Jocketty expect to learn today or Tuesday whether the switch-hitting Alomar, a potential Hall of Famer, wants to play for a contender in perhaps his final season or seek a more assured role with a lesser club such as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

01/17  Jason Isringhausen - It's been 8 weeks since his hip surgery and he resumes full activity and will be ready to start spring training on time.

01/16  Rick Ankiel -  In reference to his arm, "It seems to be fine now," Ankiel told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He has been cleared to resume throwing and plans to be ready to compete for a starting job in spring training.

It seems to be fine now?  This comment doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.  One has to wonder, will he really be ready for spring training and to start the season as the Cardinals #5 starter if necessary.

01/16  Rick Ankiel - the latest reports are that Ankiel will be ready to start the season at spring training.  The key to Ankiel's success this season may lie in his new pitch. the slider.  Rick began throwing the slider in addition to his two and four seam fastball and curve and change up. He is becoming more of a pitcher as he matures and will no longer be counting on striking out every batter he faces.  This season you will notice he will be trying more to get batters to get themselves

01/15  Roger Clemens - Hasn't announced retirement yet.  Yesterday the Cy Young Award winner filed for salary arbitration leaving the door open that he would return to the Houston Astros this season.

01/14  Rick Ankiel & Jason Marquis - Both filed for salary arbitration.  Players and teams will exchange proposed salaries Tuesday: 

01/14  Alex Cora - Once consider an option for the Cardinals, some still thought Cora might be signed to fill a position on the bench. According to The Akron Beacon Journal's Sheldon Ocker, the Cleveland Indians are in serious negotiations with IF Alex Cora to fill a utility position on the roster. There are reports the Indians have offered Cora a two-year contract and are close to completing the deal.

01/14  Sammy Sosa - Mileur's take:  I'm having a hard time buying a deal that sends Sosa to the Washington Nationals.  The Nationals have a very limited budget and need pitching a lot more than hitting and the Cubs would have to pay almost all of Sosa's contract for a deal to get done.  Remember being upset about the Cardinals paying Martinez to play for Tampa Bay.  Imagine how ticked Cub fans would be for the Cubs to pay Sosa to play for the Nationals.

01/13  Sammy Sosa - Fanball.com is reporting - The Cubs and the Nationals have resumed trade discussions involving slugger Sammy Sosa, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Nationals general manager Jim Bowden has reportedly come off a refusal to contribute to Sosa's $17 million salary in 2005 and has contacted the Cubs this week.

01/13  Sammy Sosa - From the Chicago Sun-Times: "The Washington Nationals continue to be intrigued by the possibility of trading for Sammy Sosa. Nationals general manager Jim Bowden has been in contact this week with Cubs GM Jim Hendry, exploring ways that Sosa could wind up in the nation's capital."

01/12  Roberto Alomar - As of late this afternoon the Cardinals are still trying to close a deal with Roberto Alomar.  According to sources close to the negoiations a deal could be announced within a week.  Other teams have express some interest in Alomar including the Texas Rangers & Tampa Bay.  The Rangers may have back off of trying to sign Alomar.  Texas was considering trading or making a deal that would their second baseman Alfonso Soriano to the Astros, to free up some cash so that they could pursue free-agent first baseman Carlos Delgado.  Reports in from Texas indicate that any chance of that deal being completed is highly unlikely. 

No word on where Alomar might be in any talks with Tampa Bay.

Alomar is looking for a guaranteed contract whereas the Cardinals initial proposal was a non-guaranteed contract with an invitation to spring training.  It is possible that Alomar would platoon with Mr. G at second.  LaRussa has said that Alomar would be given a chance to start for the Cardinals.

01/12  Sammy Sosa - Before the Mets signed Carlos Beltran they were the team most interested in Sammy Sosa. For that matter they were about the only team interested in Sosa.   Getting Beltran and Pedro Martinez, does not mean the Mets won't pull the trigger on a deal for Sosa.  But one thing is for sure the Mets are quickly spending that money from their cable TV deal.

01/12  Jeromny Burnitz - The Astros and free agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz have initiated contract discussions, according to the Houston Chronicle. Burnitz is coming off a season in which he led the Rockies in home runs with 37 while adding a .283 average, 110 RBI, and 94 runs.

01/11  Derek Lowe -  who recorded three posteason series-clinching wins for the Boston Red Sox in 2004, on Tuesday signed a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Financial terms for the 31-year-old righthander were not disclosed, but multiple reports have the total deal worth up to $36 million.   We had reports that the Cardinals had inquired about Lowe - but Lowe and Boras lost their minds looking for a $40 million dollar deal.

01/10  Sandy Alomar - The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting that the Rangers have begun negotiations with Roberto Alomar but would only bring him in if they pull the trigger on a rumored deal that would send Soriano to the Astros.

01/09  Carlos Beltran - The Mets and outfielder Carlos Beltran have agreed in principle to a seven-year, $119 million deal, ESPN.com reported. A source said that the contract would include an $11 million signing bonus.  A physical has been scheduled for Monday.

01/09  Kevin Millwood - for all you fans who had hope Millwood might come to St. Louis, somehow someway.  Like I said it wasn't going to happen.  Millwood signed a one year deal with the Cleveland Indians for $7 million dollars plus another $1 million dollars in incentives.  Millwood was 9-6 with a 4.89 ERA with the Phillies last season.  It's still hard for me to believe we are paying guys $7 - $8 million dollars with an ERA around 5.00.  What do I know.  If Millwood is healthy he could rebound with 12-15 wins and an ERA in the neighborhood of 4.00 -4.25. 

01/09  Roger Clemens - you can expect him to stay home next season.  The Astros are in the early stages of a rebuilding phase.  They could be in big trouble trying to compete in the NL Central in 2005.

01/08  Carlos Beltran - the Astros failed to sign Beltran before the midnight deadline.  Under the rules of baseball's labor contract, Houston cannot sign Beltran until May 1 so for all practical purposes he's gone.  The Mets may have an edge in the Beltra sweepstakes at this time.

01/07  Derel Lowe - just more reasons to believe everyone in California is crazy, actually $36 million of them.  The Dodgers are near to closing a deal for Derek Lowe for 4 years for $36 million dollars.  Nothing make sense any more.

01/07  Kevin Millwood - still a lot of our readers think we should go out and get Millwood.  It appears a deal has been reached today with the Cleveland Indians.

01/07  Miguel Cairo - on condition that he passes a physical, Cairo will play for the Mets next season for $900,000. 

01/07  Roberto Alomar - the Post Disptach is reporting that the club continues to negotiate an incentive-laden deal with Alomar, a favorite of La Russa's whom baseball sources say prefers a deal with the Redbirds.

Alomar has not taken a physical for the Cardinals, and Jocketty on Thursday described a deal as "not imminent." However, Alomar is expected to make a decision on the Cardinals' bid sometime next week, according to a source familiar with the talks

hmmmmm? Very Interesting - meaning I don't get it.

There is a report out of Florida that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays may be interested in Alomar.

I just am finding it hard to accept Alomar on the bench. 

01/06  Randy Johnson - Yankees, Johnson Reach $32M, 2-Year Deal 

01/06 Mark Grudzielanek - Agrees to a 1 year deal to play second base for the Cardinals, this ends any hopes Alomar had at starting at 2nd for the Redbirds this season.

01/05  Roberto Alomar - hmmmm?  Very Interesting. 

01/05  Barry Larkin - Larkin has told reporters that the Cardinals are the only team to talk to him about playing full time at shortstop.  Could it be possible even now that Larkin coould come to St. Louis and play short and Eckstein to be move to second base?  Related story link

01/04  Rick Ankiel - A Cardinals spokesman to reported that Ankiel's left elbow was minor nerve irritation, and that the left-hander has already been cleared to resume throwing.

Ankiel is currently working out in Jupiter, Fla., where he makes his offseason home and where the Cardinals hold Spring Training.

Ankiel expected to spend most the season in the bullpen could be called upon to be a starter if Matt Morris is not ready to pitch to start the season.

01/04  Randy Johnson - The deals that would send Randy Johnson to the Yankees from the Diamondbacks and Shawn Green from the Dodgers to Arizona were approved Monday by Commissioner Bud Selig.

A 72-hour period for the Yanks to negotiate a contract extension with Johnson and the Diamondbacks to do the same with Green began this morning.

01/04  Pokey Reese - Good NEWS!

The Mariners is expected to sign second baseman Pokey Reese to a one-year, $2 million contract on Tuesday. This will come as good news to all the Cardinal Fans that dreaded the thought of Reese playing for the Cardinals.

01/01  Roberto Alomar- Alomar's agent, Jaime Torres, refused to discuss the Cardinals' interest in the 12-time All-Star.

Recently in a Birdhouse Poll Cardinal Fans overwhelmingly voted for Alex Cora as their favorite to play 2nd base for the Cardinals next season.  Cora who finished with 46% of the vote, finished ahead of free agents Mark Grudzielanek, Miguel Cairo, Bo Hart,  Roberto Alomar finished in 5th place in voting among the fans with only 5% of the votes.

Talks to date indicate Alomar would not get a guaranteed contract, which would suggest to me that the Cardinals are still looking at other options at second base.

If Alomar gets a guaranteed contract you would tend to believe he would be starting at second as oppose to being a bench/role player in that he can only play second base.  The Cardinals tend to like their bench players to be more versatile than a Roberto Alomar would be in 2005.

We find it hard to believe that Alomar can't get a guaranteed contract somewhere, if not with the Cardinals.  Why would Alomar accept a non-guaranteed contract in January?

12/27  Second Base - a deal for a second baseman could very likely be done before your New Years Eve party, Friday night.

12/24  Second Base - (AP) General manager Walt Jocketty said the team was leaning toward signing a free-agent second baseman rather than trading for one. Among those available are Rey Sanchez, Miguel Cairo, Pokey Reese, Enrique Wilson and Mark Grudzielanek.

12/23  Alex Cora - He could be next for the Cardinals, the LA Free Agent 2nd baseman

last season hit .264 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI

12/23  Carlos Beltran - It is being reported that the Astros have increased their offer to Beltran to 6 yrs for 96 million - and the insanity continues.

12/23  David Eckstein - Has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, a source told ESPN Insider Jerry Crasnick. 

12/17  Randy Johnson - in private e-mails yesterday, I told some of you this deal should get done by this weekend - Last night ESPN and other major "mainstream" media sources were telling you the same thing.  It does look like it is basicallly a done deal.  We have consistenly maintained here RJ was always going to go to NY, you can forget about it - him going elsewhere it wasn't going to happpen.

Then of course Martinez went to the Mets - just when you think you know everything.  Go Figure  :)

12/16  Derek Lowe - even though we were the first report the Cardinals had inquired about Derek Lowe, we as fans are not interested in him coming to St. Louis.  Here is a guy with great potential that you can't count on during a long season.  I don't see Lowe as a real team player and while he will find a job soon because of his post season success, I hope it isn't in St. Louis.

12/16  Orlando Cabrera - the Boston shortstop is looking for the same deal basically that the Cardinals offered Renteria.  There were rumors that Cabrera was looking for a four or five year deal.  If the Cardinals sign Cabrera it will negate any savings from the departing Renteria's contract. 

First word out of the meetings room yesterday was that the Cardinals were shifting their focus to Randy Johnson and Kevin Millwood. 

My gut tells me this is true, I don't think the Cardinals want to give Cabrera - Renteria type money and at this point I don't either. 

Look for the Cardinals take the money they are saving from Renteria and to make a run for that potential staff ace and they will try to save some money at the short stop position.

12/16  Ankiel Watch - Could Ankiel be part of a deal that would send him to Philadelphia?

According to a report from ESPN Insiders,  Carlos Arroyo a roving instructor is recommending Ankiel to the Phillies if the Phillies do any wheeling and dealing.

12/16  Randy Johnson - for the first time this winter the Cardinals may be able to make a legit offer for the Unit, the problem is he wants to go to NY - in spite of what else you may hear.  Kevin Millwood would seem like a more likely fit here in St. Louis, though his price is probably a lot higher than I would be willing to pay..  Millwood is not that staff ace type, go to guy, a stopper that you could count on to stop a slide or take control of a series.

12/16  Matt Clement - is reported to have 7 offers on the table and we don't think the Cardinals have made any of them.  We oppose pursuing Clement.

12/16  AJ Burnett - today we had questions about where Burnett would pitch next season.  With Tim Hudson traded by Oakland to the Braves today, it is very highly unlikely that Burnett will leave Florida.

12/16  Pokey Reese - reports that he signed with the Cardinals yesterday were unfounded.

12/15  Pokey Reese - readers are reporting ESPN has announced the Cardinals have signed Pokey Reese.  Reese made a million dollars last season for the Red Sox.  He was offered arbitration by Boston on December 8.  We are checking into this story.

12/15  Pedro Martinez passed his physical Wednesday, and the Mets finalized their $53 million, four-year contract, I never would have ever believed this deal before it happen.

True life is stranger than fiction, they say.

12/15  Randy Johnson - Edgar Renteria is gone and for the first time I believe the Cardinals are really in the hunt for the Big Unit - I'm reluctant to use the word sources, but it appears Johnson & Kevin Millwood are on top of the Cardinals Christmas wish list.

12/15  Edgar Renteria - has agreed to a four-year $40 million contract with the Red Sox today.

12/14  Edgar Renteria - Returning - we got the scoop and we got it right this time - details and official announcement to follow soon.

11/14  Einar Diaz - is close to signing a one-year deal worth $600,000 with the Cardinals, according to ESPN. Diaz hit .223 with one home run and 11 RBI in 55 games in a 139 at bats with Montreal last season.

Known as a defensive catcher, with a strong and accurate throwing arm, he will see very limited playing time in St. Louis.

12/14  Pedro Martinez - Interesting reports out of New York to the effect that Pedro Martinez is refusing an MRI on his pitching shoulder as part of the physical he must undergo as a pre-condition for signed with the Mets.  As this is a long-term contract with a guaranteed fourth year, the Mets are troubled by this refusal.  There is some speculation that this refusal MIGHT be a

deal breaker.  IF that were to occur, that would mean that Pedro as possibly damaged goods is still a member of the Red Sox and that the money made available by Pedro's erstwhile departure might not be available for Edgar after all.  East Coast baseball is expensive beyond reason, but eminently entertaining!

12/13  Edgar Renteria - The Red Sox have lost Pedro Martinez to the Mets, this would suggest they will go after Renteria and seek a second tier quality starting pitcher.

12/13  Pedro Martinez - It appears Pedro is going to the Mets for a reported deal worth $58 million.

12/13  Mike Matheny - signs with the Giants for 3 yrs for $10.5 million with an option for a 4th season for $2. million.

12/13  Mike Matheny - We are projecting Matheny will go to the Giants for 3 yrs for $9 million dollars.

12/12  Derek Lowe - is reported to be looking for a 4 year deal for $48 million dollars.  Has everyone lost their mind? 

12/12  Edgar Renteria - There has been nothing new reported in the last 36 hours that convinces me that Renteria is not going to Boston.

12/12  Derek Lowe - the mainstream media is now reporting what we reported here first yesterday, the Cardinals are considering the Boston free agent and our scource from yesterday said a deal is very likely. 

12/11  Placido Polanco - ESPN's Jayson Stark is reporting late this afternoon, the Cardinals are working to try to get Polanco to take Womak's place at second.

12/11  Tim Hudson - hopes of getting Hudson are fading fast according to sources at the winter meetings.  Of course we had major reservations for days now that this deal was going to get done.

12/11  Edgar Renteria - ESPN's Steve Phillips says the Renteria is done for four years, $40 million pending completion of a physical.  The Boston Globe also reports a four-year deal is all but done.

We have been expecting this deal for weeks, recent comments from Woody Williams and Steve Kline complaining about the lack of communication from the Cardinals between them and their players is probably a contributing factor in the defection of Womack and Renteria.

Of course, the best communication skills in the world will hardly ever offset $8 million dollars.

But there is a problem when the GM is quoted as saying there may be some distrust between the players and the Cardinals management as it relates to contract negotiations and the arbitration process.

12/11  Randy Johnson - on again, off again, on again, Jason Scott from TheCardinalNation.com website is reporting that Jason Stark of ESPN says the Cardinals are back in the hunt for Randy Johnson and at this point may be Johnson's only other option other than pitching for the Diamondbacks next season.

12/11  Renteria to Boston - While we are expecting Renteria to sign with Boston, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have discussed a possible trade with shortstop Julio Lugo going to the Red Sox. One has to wonder how the Red Sox, can afford Martinez, Wells & Renteria this winter.  And there still is some talk about Pavano, but I have to believe he is going to New York or Seatlle.

I'm thinking that the only team that would give Renteria a deal in the 4 year $40 million dollar range is the Detroit Tigers, they have become famous in recent years over paying for talent.

12/11  Carl Pavano - Expected to sign with the Yankees this weekend.  Another big named starting pitcher appears to be off the market - leaving Randy Johnson, Tim Hudson & Pedro Martinez as the biggest names on the market.  The Cardinals have been linked to all three.

12/11  Matt Clement - Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the St. Louis Cardinals are negotiating with free-agent pitcher Matt Clement and could sign him to use against his former Cubs teammates.  I have never been all that excited about bringing Clement to St. Louis.

12/11  Scuttlebutt - Earlier today Cardinals sources told Gammons that they were so positive that Renteria was going to sign with Boston that St. Louis is trying to sign Orlando Cabrera and Placido Polanco.

12/11  Wells a bargain? - The Red Sox have come to terms with 41-year-old left-hander David Wells. Wells agreed to a two-year contract worth a minimum of $8 million but capable of ballooning to $18 million, depending on the number of starts the 41-year-old makes,  That's a bargain?

12/11  Derek Lowe - We have a report from a single unconfirmed source from someone close to the Boston organization, that is telling us they expect the Cardinals to sign starting pitcher Derek Lowe.

12/11  Matt Morris - We don't expect or support Morris to be part of a one to one deal for an Oriole 2nd baseman, but he could be part of a multi-player/multi-team deal.  The fact that the Orioles have expressed interest in a potential deal involving Morris, doesn't mean one is imminent.

12/11  Edgar Renteria - It appears Renteria may be going to Boston for 4 years for a reported $44 million according to ESPN Radio. 

12/11  Matt Morris - We got a tip very early this morning, from sources within the Orioles organization that indicate that the Orioles are interested in Matt Morris.  With the price of pitching going through the roof, like I said a couple of days ago - the Morris deal may turn at to be a very good deal in that he may be used as a bargaining chip for a trade for another pitcher or second baseman.  Here is a potential deal that I think may have merit.

12/11  Edgar Renteria - Things are not looking good on the Renteria deal - personally his demands for a 4 year $10 million dollar contract put him out of the picture for the Cardinals.  Here's the bottom line, sign this weekend or the Cardinals need to move on.

12/11  Matt Morris - We got a tip very early this morning, from sources within the Orioles organization that indicate that the Orioles are interested in Matt Morris.  With the price of pitching going through the roof, like I said a couple of days ago - the Morris deal may turn at to be a very good deal in that he may be used as a bargaining chip for a trade for another pitcher or second baseman.  Here is a potential deal that I think may have merit.

12/11  Edgar Renteria - Things are not looking good on the Renteria deal - personally his demands for a 4 year $10 million dollar contract put him out of the picture for the Cardinals.  Here's the bottom line, sign this weekend or the Cardinals need to move on.

12/10  David Wells - The AP is now reporting, Boston has offered 41-year-old lefty David Wells a one-year contract, according to Wells' agent, Gregg Clifton. A deal was not imminent, Clifton said Friday on the first day of baseball's winter meetings, and Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein warned that talks were in the early stages. 

My take is Wells would rather play in Boston or New York than take the offer he'll get from San Diego.

As I reported a few days ago, Wells could end up being one of the best bargains at the winter meetings.  Wells was 12-8 with a 3.73 ERA last season, when he earned $1.25 million in base pay and another $4.75 million in incentives by making 31 starts.

Imagine a rotation in Boston consisting of Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Carl Pavano & David Wells, it could happen depending on how Pavano's contract would be structure.  Boston has planned to add another front line starter even with the return of Martinez and Wells could be just icing on the cake for Boston fans.

Can you say REPEAT?

Why are we talking about David Wells here on a Cardinal fan site?  Because I don't really think we are serious contenders for Hudson, Pavano & Johnson, if I'm correct, than we could still go after a David Wells type pitcher, sign Renteria and get a second baseman & leadoff hitter, with the money we save. 

I would have made the offer we made to Morris to Wells.

At least with Wells around, things would never be boring.  

12/10  Tim Hudson - Day one coming to an end and the Cardinals are still in the hunt for Hudson. "I know they really want him,'' said a source with knowledge of the talks.  The Cardinals are offering Dan Haren and Rick Ankiel the big question is, will that be enough?  NO

12/10  David Wells - remember a couple of days ago I said Wells could be the Best Bang for the Buck out there in terms of starting pitchers, especially if you are looking at a 1 year deal.  Word out of Anaheim is that the Boston Red Sox are considering making an offer to Wells this weekend.  Can the Yankees be far behind?

12/10  Cost of pitching going up - Look at the deals for starting pitching so far, Paul Wilson (two years, $8.2M from the Reds), Jon Lieber (three years, $21M from the Phillies) and Kris Benson (three years, $22.5M from the Mets), makes you wonder what it's going to cost us to get a real staff ace.

12/10  Carl Pavano - The Orioles offered this free agent a contract earlier this week and were supposed to speak with his agent last night, according to the Baltimore Sun. Meanwhile, Newsday reports that the Yankees are expected to aggressively pursue the pitcher.  Pavano cancelled his trip to Anaheim this week, which tells me Pavano is close to a deal.  He's had at least 3 offers.

Try this number on for size - 4  years for $42 million dollars, ouch....not bad for a sub .500 pitcher (57-58)

12/10  Pedro Martinez - all signs point to Boston - folks he was never ever coming to St. Louis.  Cardinals are still at least in the hunt for Randy Johnson and Tim Hudson, officially at least.

12/10  Matt Clement - like I have always said I don't see the Cardinals going after Clement.  Clement was offered arbitration this week by the Cubs, my take on it is that he's going to be wanting 3 year deal in the range of $21 to $24 million.  Not bad for a guy who lost his spot in the rotation at the end of the season.  If Clement doesn't sign with the Cubs, the Dodgers and almost everyone has expressed interest in Matt.

12/10  Marcus Giles - it appears that the Braves have decided not to trade Giles, their second baseman.  It's highly unlikely any deal would be made with the Cardinals that would bring Giles to St. Louis.  I'm thinking the Braves would like to have Ray King, Jason Marquis and Adam Wainwright back now, that JD Drew has become a free agent.

12/10  Orioles - no other team in baseball is in more of need of pitching - ironically while we are out there looking for a pitcher, a deal could be brokered with the Orioles that would send a pitcher to Baltimore for 2nd baseman Jerry Hairston.  The Orioles will be more incline to accept a deal for a Suppan, Morris or Carpenter as oppose to Marquis, Haren or Ankiel.  But they are kinda desperate for pitching, who knows?

12/10  Russ Ortiz - to sign with Arizona - the pitchers are quickly being taken - St. Louis still looking for a Staff Ace.

12/09  Tim Hudson - FYI, Hudson is looking for 4 year deal for about $51 million.  He has given Oakland until March the 1st, 2005 to complete a contract extension.

Hudson will be a free agent after next season.  It will take some time and thinking outside the box to get this deal done if Hudson is coming to St. Louis.

12/09  Randy Johnson - The Diamondbacks are still holding out hope that they can keep Johnson and put together a contender for 2005.  It should be a very interesting weekend at the Winter Meetings in Anaheim.

12/09  The Pavano Tour - Did you noticed that the Carl Pavano tour didn't come through St. Louis.  Probably just as well, I would guess he has gain 12-15 lbs with all this wining and dining in New York, Baltimore, Boston, Seattle, Detroit and later this week he'll be in LA for that last free meal.

During his world wind tour the Tigers, Red Sox, Orioles and Phillies reportedly have offered Pavano four-year deals, ranging from $35 million to $40 million.

As we have reported, we expect Pavano to sign with Boston. The Cardinals were never in the hunt for  Pavano.

12/09  Jeff Kent - just signed a 2 year deal with the Dodgers - another potential Cardinal bites the dust.  I am still not happy with Womack going to NY.

12/09  J.D. Drew -The Braves declined to offer J.D. Drew  arbitration, so he will presumably sign on with a new team as a free agent this offseason, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and we still got Ray King, Jason Marquis and Adam Wainwright, now there was a good deal.

12/09  Steve Kline - The Yankees and Toronto have expressed interest in Kline.  Knowing Steve he'll jump on a deal as soon as possible.

12/09  Tim Hudson - Don't expect a deal for Hudson to be made in the immediate future.  As we have reported here more than once, Hudson will be a free agent at the end of next season and a contract extension will need to get done before the season starts before a trade will be made for the Oakland pitcher.

On Oakland's wish list Dan Haren & Jason Marquis.

12/05  Matt Clement - Pitcher Matt Clement is likely to get an arbitration offer from the Cubs, more to ensure that the team would get draft picks as compensation for another team signing the right-handed starter.  Clement is on some Cardinal fans wish list for Christmas, but to date there has been no evidence or any reasons to believe Clement is a part of the Cardinals plans for 2005.

12/05  Arizona Diamondbacks - we believe the Cardinals are trying to work a deal with Arizona that includes Randy Johnson,  I mean if they are talking to Arizona, who else would you be talking about?  The Diamondbacks are wanting to keep Johnson and will not be willing to just give him away and want a big return to make the deal.  Don't expect them to settle for just prospects, no matter how good they are, to make the deal.

12/03  Rick Ankiel - I believe in saying what you mean and meaning what you say.  If the Cardinals believe in the same thing, then the future is now.  Ankiel and Dan Haren start the 2005 season in the rotation, that's the bottom line and it's what I would do - with some significant risk, I will admit - but enough already - get them in there and save $17 + million next season.  Rick Ankiel is playing winterball and of course all eyes are on him, so far Ankiel's 4.05 ERA for Carolina in the Puerto Rican league doesn't necessarily catch your eye or give you the warm fuzzies, but he's struck out 18 against only three walks in 13 1/3 innings. There is no doubt he has the skills, now he just needs to put it all together.

12/03  Randy Johnson - Randy Johnson - From day one, I have said if he goes anywhere, he goes to the Yankees.  The New York Daily News reported baseball sources familiar with the stalled Randy Johnson negotiations said the Diamondbacks' options seemed limited and, for all the stonewalling, Arizona will have no recourse but to eventually deal the Big Unit to the Yankees. The News also said the Yankees had turned their attention to the pursuit of "secondary" starting pitchers Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright and Eric Milton. The Daily News also reported the Yankees were close to bringing back Mike Stanton from the Mets in exchange for fellow lefty reliever Felix Heredia.  Steve Kline still is an option for their bullpen, but Boston has also recently expressed interest in Kline.

I'm trying to think of something crazy I would do if Johnson actually would come to St. Louis.

12/03  David Wells - Last week I pointed out to the Cardinals that the potential "Best Bang for the Buck"  for a starting pitcher was FA David Wells.  Today the San Diego Union-Tribune reports: "Kevin Towers and David Wells are close to striking a deal that will return Wells, a 212-game winner and team leader, to the Padres."

Forgive me, but I would have liked to seen Wells come to St. Louis.  It would have been entertaining to say the least. 

12/01  Woody Williams - Expect an offer to be made to Woody from the Astros this month.  Woody has stated he only wants to play for St. Louis or the Astros or he would just retire.  Word is out of Houston is they will make him an offer.

11/30  Matt Morris - is hoping to come back to St. Louis, I would just prefer he wouldn't. Here's a Morris quote that bothers me "It almost boggled my mind the way my velocity was down," he said. "I didn't have much pain, but the velocity just wasn't there. My confidence went down a little. My aggression came down. My pitching style changed. I want to get back to being my aggressive self again."

He acts like he has or had no control over his performance, I'm wondering where did his "aggressive self" go?  It was the final year of his contract, if he's not going to be agressive then, then when?  NO MO.  Don't bore with talks of potential.

11/26  Tony Womack - The Cardinals have let Womack get away and my love affair with management is quickly hitting the rocks.  Heaven forbid you do your job here.  The guy came to St. Louis and gave us a 110% and all I hear now is, well he played over his head.  I say let him play over his head again.  Heaven forbid, someone gets motivated around here. 

11/26  David Wells - you want entertainment value for your free agent bucks, I say go get David Wells to come to St. Louis.  Dayn Perry of Fox sports says, Well's His back troubles are somewhat worrisome, and he'll always have a weakness for Schlitz tall-boys and cases of gout, but Wells is still very much capable of anchoring the back of a rotation. He's posted an exceptional 5.1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in each of the last two seasons, and over the last three years he's averaged 205 innings per season.

He doesn't strike out many batters, so he needs a sound team defense to support him, and there is no better defense than in St. Louis.  He makes no sense for a team in rebuilding mode, but for contender in need of a fourth or fifth starter, he's ideal.  And he can be had for a one-year, guaranteed contract.  A perfect fit for St. Louis.

Now that Glendon Rusch has signed with the Cubs, Wells may be the best, oh heck say it, he's the new "Best Bang for the Buck" out there among pitchers.

11/26  Mike Matheny - I for one hate to see Matheny leave St. Louis, but the truth is the Cardinals would probably have to over pay for him to keep him.  A gold glove catcher who can call a great game behind the plate and is a leader on the field, will be in demand this winter.  Consider this, Matheny is one of only five catchers on the free-agent market who caught at least 90 games last season. The others are Henry Blanco, Jason Varitek, Dan Wilson and Gregg Zaun.  As much as I hate to say goodbye, it looks like we don't have a choice.

11/26  Randy Johnson - The St. Louis Cardinals could give the Yankees a run for their money in trying to acquire Diamondbacks ace Randy Johnson.  According to a report published in the Arizona Republic today.

"Obviously, he's a guy we have a lot of interest in, because our top priority is to strengthen the top of our starting rotation," Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty said.

In the event of a trade, the Cardinals are prepared to offer Johnson a one- or two-year extension.

Johnson, 41, is entering the final year of his contract, worth $16 million.

11/26  Matt Morris - the Cardinals may still be interested in signing Matt Morris to a new contract.  (For crying out loud)  There is a reason that there are NO other teams aggressively pursuing Morris.  I would sign Woody Williams to a deal before I would Matt Morris - I don't understand and please don't anyone tell me about POTENTIAL.

11/25  Recent Transactions - 11/23/04  Purchased the contracts of OF Reid Gorecki from Double-A Tennessee and C Mike Mahoney and INF Scott Seabol from Triple-A Memphis.  11/11/04  Activated RHP Mike Lincoln from the 60-day disabled list. 11/5/04  Declined the club option on RHP Woody Williams, making him a free agent. Jason Simontacchi & Marlon Anderson have been released

11/24  Thanksgiving day sale? - Boston Herald columnist Tony Massarotti  "As for the situation at shortstop, the Sox are monitoring Cabrera and Edgar Renteria, though club officials privately indicated that the organization is not prepared to pay either his current asking price."

The Cardinals are still very much in the hunt to sign Renteria, it is becoming clear that the initial figures from the Renteria camp are receiving a lukewarm reception.  This is good news for Cardinal fans, that other teams may not be willing to over-pay for Edgar's services.

11/23  Stock Market - as I watch as 1/2 of my stocks continue to fall while the other half, keep me out of bankruptcy, it looks like the Free Agent Market will do the same.  It appears a lot of players aren't going to be able to command their asking price in this slow market, while again Boras and his "Icons" will still be able to command the big bucks.  Good news?

It could be good news, if the offers don't come in as expected for Renteria the Cardinals just might be able to hold on to him.  My offer of three years for $18 million could get the deal done, wait a minute my offer?  I don't have $18 million dollars, let me check - heck I don't have $18 dollars, never mind.

For the record I hate to see a major breakup of a team that won a 105 games.  Think about this, don't you think these guys would be chomping at the bit to get back to the World Series and redeem themselves next season.

If you listen to the experts, Renteria (gone), Womack (gone), Kline (gone), Williams (gone), Eldred (gone), Morris (gone),  - that's a lot of heart and character out of this team.

To me, last season, it is something to build on, not tear down. 

11/23  St. Louis vs Boston - The World Series was just the beginning it appears and the battle is raging on in the offseason in the free agent market.  If St. Louis is talking to our thinking about a player, so is Boston.  Take Edgar Renteria, Mike Matheny, Pedro Martinez (never), Carl Pavano as examples and now you can add Placido Polanco to the list.  There are reports coming out of Boston that the Red Sox have expressed an interest in the former Cardinal.  Polanco a fan favorite would be welcomed back to St. Louis with open arms.

11/23  Free Agent Market Stalled - Don't expect a lot of movement before the winter meetings.  Scott Boras and his "Icon" clients are slowing down the process.  If you know Boras, you know he doesn't jump at the first offer or folds very easy.  Let's put is this way, you wouldn't want to play Texas Hold'Em with him.  Unless of course you are me, you know I finished in 4th place in the Herrin, Illinois Chamber of Commerce Fund Raising Texas Hold'Em tournament.  You probably saw my picture in their newsletter.  :)

As our friends pointed out this week from Baseball Hotsheet - Because the elite guys aren't likely to sign until late December or maybe even early January, it creates

a sort of logjam. Agents and major league teams like to pigeon-hole players (and their contracts) after the big guys sign. If the top-tier free agents are slow to sign, the whole process bogs down.

11/21  $60 Million Reasons - remember when there were suggestions and rumors that the Cardinals could be in the hunt for Pedro Martinez?  My initial comment was

"Just say no"   Well now we have 60 million reasons.  $60 million dollars for five years is what Martinez is asking for from the Yankees.  This could even cause Steinbrenner to say no.  Can you imagine what Steinbrenner could do with $60 million dollars?  He could sign both Brian Walton and myself as consultants for five years, for that much money.

11/21  Sullen Steve - from Newsday - "The Yankees are going after lefthanded reliever Steve Kline, an understandable move given how awful Felix Heredia was in 2004. But in a clubhouse that gets progressively worse each year, the Yankees had best do a background check on Kline.

Did you know that during one game this past year, Kline waved a middle finger at his manager, Tony La Russa? (Yes we know) La Russa committed the sin of having Kline warm up in the bullpen and then deciding not to use him.

We'd love to see Kline in pinstripes, just to see the Joe Torre death stare if Kline ever attempted to show him up."

Of course we anticipated the Yankees interest in Kline, before the season was over, this could be an interesting deal - I just can't imagine Kline as a Yankee.

11/21  Edgar Renteria - according to sources inside the Boston organization, they are not willing to give Renteria his asking price in the $10 million dollar range per season.

11/17  Randy Johnson - According to Newsday, the Cardinals have proposed a three-pitcher package in exchange for Johnson: righthanders Dan Haren and Kiko Calero and lefthander Rick Ankiel. 

11/17  Matt Morris - Nobody is talking about Matt Morris, I can't even uncover any rumors or make one up that would seem believeable.

11/17  Steve Kline - if the Yankees are going to sign Kline, they will probably do it soon, the Boston Red Sox could also use a left-hander in their bullpen and could make an offer for Kline as soon as this week.  Look for the Yankees to win this bidding war if one begins.

11/14  Edgar Renteria - Potential suitors for Edgar other that the Cardinals,  include the Cubs, Red Sox, White Sox and Indians.

11/14  Eric Milton - hadn't heard too much around Cardinal Nation about Eric Milton.  Eric led the Phillies with 14 wins in '04. He is a very tough lefty with a biting slider who does not get rattled on the mound and could fit into the Cardinals rotation.  The Yankees are very interested in him which may scare away most potential suitors.  Among those teams who may make offers to the left-hander, are the Cardinals, Yankees, Orioles, Giants and still the Phillies may just find a way to keep Milton in the City of Brotherly Love.

11/14  Show Me the Money? - Here's the bottom line, Pedro Martinez will most likely remain in Boston despite turning down the team's initial offer of $25.5 million over two years with a $13 million option for 2007 and $2 million in potential bonuses."  Now you have to ask yourself "Do you feel lucky?"  Like I said from the very beginning - I just could never see Martinez coming to St. Louis.  Of course he's on some wish lists but that's about all it amounts to.

11/14  Will "The Thrill" Clark - has been offered a coaching job with the Diamondbacks for next season.  No word yet if he's accepted the position.

11/14  Tony Womack - We got the Cubs (rumored) looking at Womack now. I would like to see the Cardinals at least make an offer for Tony to turn down, if nothing else.

11/14   Randy Johnson - Cardinals could be out of the hunt before it starts - "Talks are in the exploratory phase, but according to baseball sources, the Angels, Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks have discussed a trade that would send Guillen to the Marlins, Johnson to Anaheim and a package of prospects — and possibly a big league player or two — to Arizona from Anaheim and Florida."

11/14  Albert Pujols - From Baseball Hotsheet - Pujols struggled with a left foot injury that was diagnosed as plantar fasciitis during the 2004 season. While he was able to play with the injury he struggled with pain, sometimes acute during the year. When the surgery is done later in November it will clean out the source of the pain along a tendon on the bottom of the foot. Pujols will be in cast until the beginning of 2005 and then start a rehab. Barring any setbacks he's expected to be ready for the opener and be pain free.

11/13  Edgar Renteria - every effort will be made to keep Edgar in St. Louis, talks are underway at this time with his agent Jeff Lane.

11/13  Frontline Starter - the Cardinals after losing the World Series in four straight games is looking for that Staff Ace (no not Matt Morris)  among the names you will be hearing about in the weeks to come is, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Matt Clement, Brad Radke, Russ Ortiz, and Kevin Millwood. 

Our rotation at this time is - Chris Carpenter, Jeff Suppan, Jason Marquis, Dan Haren and Rick Ankiel - Woody Williams & Matt Morris are free agents.

11/13  Show-Me the Money - Getting that legit staff Ace is going to force us to show somebody the money, for example  Randy Johnson is contracted with the Diamondbacks for $16.5 million dollars next season, Brad Radke already has three offers for 3 yrs for $30 million, Carl Pavano you can expect a bidding war to break out between the Yankees and Boston.  Matt Clement of the Cubs, I would rather have Glendon Rusch, for the role that I think we need to fill, that is an experienced pitcher that can start and also pitch in long relief, especially if you are going with Rick Ankiel and Dan Haren as starters in 2005.  Pedro Martinez, I can't see him playing in a "small" market, I'm not sure how we would get his ego into our ballpark.  Russ Ortiz and or Kevin Millwood would seem to be a better fit for us.

11/13  Mike Matheny - The Boston Red Sox have expressed some interest in Matheny,

behind the plate for next season.

11/13  It's a Small World - Did you know?  Woody Williams' agent, Barry Meister -- who also represents Arizona's Randy Johnson -- is working with Jeff Lane on Renteria's deal with the Cardinals.  So this could be very interesting, because keeping Renteria could prevent us from getting a Randy Johnson or Carl Pavano.

11/13  Pedro Martinez - Martinez likely to stay with Boston.  New York Daily News: "Although he said he'd enjoy playing for Alou, the Giants have zero interest in Martinez, according to an executive with knowledge of their plans. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are more intrigued by Martinez, but one baseball official said he believed the Red Sox would probably make Martinez the best offer."

11/13  Randy Johnson - Remember last season Johnson told team officials that he would waive his no-trade clause only for the Yankees.  Keep that in mind, because once Johnson requests a trade which he should do soon, I'd have to say the Yankees are big front runners for Johnson.

11/13  Matt Clement - There are those of you, I know think we could use Clement, but you can expect him to probably sign with the Cleveland Indians.

11/13  Placido Polanco - the former Cardinal who is a free agent this season, is expecting a big raise over his $3.9 million dollar salary with the Phillies last season.

We will be keeping a close eye on the Cardinals pocketbook to see if there is enough to bring Polanco back.  If you recall Polanco was part of the deal that brought Scott Rolen to the Cardinals.  In 2004 Polanco hit .298 with 17 HRs and 55 RBI - he also stoled 7 bases.  His fielding percentage at 2nd base was .995 with just 3 errors in 109 games.  Compare that to Tony Womack who hit .307 with 5 HRs and 38 RBI - stealing 26 bases

with a .976 with 15 errors in 133 games.  Note Polanco also played 13 errorless games at 3rd base last season for the Phillies.

11/12  New York is where I'd rather be - please, Green Acres is where I'd rather be

You know you're a Redneck and you run a baseball site and you are able to make a reference to the TV Show - Green Acres.

The New York Star-Ledger, citing baseball officials familiar with the Yankees' plans, reported New York will move quickly to make a three-year offer to free-agent lefty Eric Milton for between $21 million and $25 million. The Yankees also plan free-agent pursuits of lefty starter Al Leiter, righty starters Carl Pavano and Brad Radke, and lefty reliever Steve Kline.

The reason I'm reporting this is because we have reported earlier the Yankees might be interested in Kline and while many of you have expressed a desire for the Cardinals to go after Pavano, the consensus among the "inner circle" is that Boston and NY will get into a bidding war for Pavano - one that the Cardinals will not be able to keep up with.

Personally I'd take the Twins Brad Radke over Pavano, but Radke already has at least three deals on the table for three years for $30 million.  Again I can't see St. Louis winning in a bidding war for Radke or Pavano.

11/11  Best Bang for the Buck - If you recall last season at about this time we called for the Cardinals to go out and get Jeff Suppan to fill out the Redbirds starting rotation.  My exact words were he was the "Best Bang for the Buck" of what was out there on the free agent market.  Who is it this season?  Glendon Rusch.

Glendon was 6-2, 3.47 in just 16 starts for, I hate to even say it  "The Cubs".  A report at MLB.com suggest that the 30 year old left-hander is about to breakout and be a star.

His sharpening control -- the pattern taken by many left-handers who did not flourish until reaching their 30s.  Rusch averaged slightly over a walk for 16 starts, while striking out 72.  With all the Superstars in Chicago, Rusch also appeared in 16 games from the bullpen.  His 2004 salary was $750,000.  Rusch just turned 30 this week, just in time to be named the Birdhouse  "Best Bang for the Buck" among FA Starting Pitchers for 2005.

11/11  Carl Pavano - The right-hander who has been extended a three-year, $21 million offer from the Marlins, is on many Cardinal Fan's Christmas wish list.  As the free agent signing period begins on Friday, Pavano plans on visiting a number of teams. Likely visits include the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Orioles, Phillies and Mariners.  We don't have any reason to believe the Cardinals are considering going after Pavano.

11/11  Starting Pitching - The big names in starting pitching on the free agent market include Superstars Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and stars like Matt Clement, Carl Pavano, Russ Ortiz, Eric Milton and Derek Lowe. 

For sure Matt Morris is gone, Woody Williams it looks like may not return and if the Cardinals don't sign Renteria, they could be in position financially to be in contention for a Randy Johnson or Pedro Martinez.  It's going to get very interesting.

11/11  Edgar Renteria - The Cardinals continue to insist that signing Edgar is a top priority for next season.  I doubt that will be able to sign him for anything less than $10 million dollars a season for a multi-year contract.  He could demand as much as $12 - $13 million for a 1 or 2 year deal, that personally doesn't make any sense to me, for anyone.

11/11  Hector Luna - Could be the big winner in the offseason.  There is rumors around the water fountains that Hector could be given every opportunity to be the Cardinals everyday shortstop in 2005.  I remain skeptical at this time.

11/11  Mike Matheny - The Cardinals have not modified their one-year offer to Mike Matheny that has been on the table since spring training, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. If Matheny doesn't accept the deal, the Cards may be willing to commit to Yadier Molina.

11/11 Woody Williams - How much faith the Cardinals have in Dan Haren and Rick Ankiel could impact the future of Woody WIlliams with the Cardinals.  There are potential scenarios that would make it very important to bring Woody back for the 2005 season, but if the Cardinals sign Renteria and or bring in a Randy Johnson or Pedro Martinez, it doesn't leave much room for Williams. 

11/11  Albert Pujols - had a non-invasive procedure involving high-frequency sonar Wednesday to alleviate plantar fasciitis in his left foot, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The procedure, similar to that administered to some sufferers of kidney stones, is an alternative to surgery that would leave him in a cast for up to six weeks.

11/07  Steve Reed - here is a right handed reliever who I thought the Cardinals were going to get, when they got Larry Walker from Colorado.  The Rockies declined their mutual option on Steve Reed for the 2005 season, according to the AP. Reed was 3-8 with a 3.68 ERA in 65 appearances in 2004 and I'm expecting the Cardinals may still be interested in trying to get Reed to come to St. Louis. 

11/07 Jason Isringhausen will undergo surgery November 15 to repair a torn labrum in his left hip, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The hip injury led to his shoulder problems during last season. He's expected to be healed before spring training.  We had projected around the All Star break that he would need this surgery at the end of the season.

11/07  Albert Pujols  The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Albert Pujols is expected to have surgery later this month to deal with the plantar fasciitis that troubled him throughout last season. He will wear a cast for about six weeks, but he's expected to be fine for spring training. 

11/07  Steve Kline - don't be surprise to see the left-hander sign with the Yankees

11/07  Shortstop Orlando Cabrera is hot free agent not just because of his postseason performance but also because he'll come more cheaply than SS Edgar Renteria.  As we have reported here for a couple of months now, the signing of Renteria while a top priority of the club, just looks slim to me.

11/07  Sammy Sosa  - here is a "Superstar", I never really cared for, call me crazy but he would never play on one of my teams.  The latest scoop on him is that he and Shawn Green could switch teams in a blockbuster proposal the Dodgers and Cubs plan to discuss in the next couple days, personally I don't see why the Dodgers would make this deal, but that won't stop them from talking about it.

The Cubs are eager to deal Sosa,  you can bet on that and I would be to.

11/06  Steve Kline - is scheduled to have surgery Nov. 11 to repair a partially torn tendon his left index finger, an injury that got him bounced from the World Series roster.

We don't really expect Kline who is now a free agent to return to the Cardinals for next season.

11/06  Shortstops - The White Sox plan to make a two-year, $8 million offer to Cleveland free agent SS Omar Vizquel, says St. Paul Pioneer-Press. 

11/06  2005 Rotation - looking ahead to next season and the 2005 rotation could look like this;

SP1  Chris Carpenter / option has been exercised

SP2  Woody Williams / or a free agent

SP3  Jason Marquis 

SP4  Jeff Suppan

SP5  Dan Haren / Rick Ankiel

11/05  Woody Williams the Cardinals' ace in Carpenter's absence, filed for free agency Thursday after the team told his agent it would decline his $8 million option and pay a $900,000 buyout, a move the Cardinals made official Friday. Right-hander Matt Morris also has filed for free agency.

11/01  Pitching - The St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Cardinals could be serious contenders for pitchers Randy Johnson and/or Carl Pavano. Johnson, who will earn $16.5 million this season, was made available by Arizona before the trade deadline and could be on the market again this winter. The newspaper says St. Louis could entice the D-backs with some of their prospects. Pavano, meanwhile, has likely priced himself out of the Marlins rotation, but could fit nicely in the St. Louis budget since the Cards won't re-sign Matt Morris, says the Post Dispatch.

We will keep an eye on the Cardinals and the pursuit of pitching, but I'm having a hard time buying into a Randy Johnson or Carl Pavano deal at this time.

If the moon and the stars all align and if the Cardinals don't sign Matt Morris (they won't) or Woody Williams (they may not) and Edgar Renteria (priced himself out of Sr. Louis), then I can see the Johnson deal and to a lesser degree the Pavano deal.

10/27  MVPs -  Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds — has been quiet in the World Series, going a combined 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

10/26  Curt Schilling - what a stud, you have to like this guy - anyway Manager Terry Francona said that plans still call for Curt Schilling to start Game 6, if the series goes that far.

10/24  Curt Schilling - I don't expect Schilling to go past four innings and this is probably his last start in the World Series because of his injury.  The AP is reporting -that the unprecedented surgical procedure to stitch together his injured right ankle might be too damaging to keep repeating.  I would expect it is.

10/24  Tony Womack - to start in tonight.

10/23  Tony Womack - Collarbone bruised, but not broken.  Very sore.  We are not sure when he will be able to play.

10/22  DH - It appears John Mabry will get the start in Game 1 as the DH

10/22  Game 7 - get use to them I am projecting another game 7 in the World Series.

10/22  St. Louis Roster Changes - We expecting to see LaRussa make a minor roster change before game one of the World Series.

1022  Boston - David Ortiz - When the Red Sox face the Cardinals in St. Louis for Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) of the World Series, David Ortiz will start at first base, since there will be no designated hitter in those games, according to the Boston Globe. That means regular first baseman Kevin Millar will be a reserve.

10/21  Boston - Tim Wakefield - the Red Sox plan to have Tim Wakefield start the first game of the World Series. He will be followed in order by Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez.

10/21  Tavarez - for the record - I agree with Brian Walton on Tavarez, he doesn't deserve to be a Cardinal and the bottom line is I would not have brought him in to pitch last night even though he was effective in relief.  I would have gone with Cal Eldred over Tavarez and Tavarez would be riding the bench again tonight and left off the roster for the World Series. 

10/21  Cardinals underdogs again?  In a recent non-political poll the Boston Redsox,

Will the Red Sox win the World Series this year or wait until next year?

12703 votes since Oct 21 2004 

This is the year   70%  8903 votes 

Wait till next year – again   30%  3800 votes 

10/21  Bob Watson - are you kidding me?  A $10,000 fine for Tavarez, give me a ball someone, I'd like to throw it at  Watson's head - at least then the $10,000 fine would be appropriate, expecially if I hit him.

10/20  Rocketman - Here is a scary stat - this season Roger Clemens is 2-0 with a 1.32 ERA at Busch Stadium.  Looking for the long ball to beat the Astros?  Clemens did not give up a home run at Busch Stadium this season in his two starts and 13.2 innings pitched.

10/20  Bullpen addition - Game 4 starter Jason Marquis will be available to pitch out of the bullpen in Game 6 and/or Game 7 against Houston.  Marquis is 0-0 with a 7.36 ERA in the post season.

10/20  Home Field Advantage - The Cardinals are 51-16 at Busch Stadium since early May and after losing three in row to Houston in Houston, will look to take advantage of the home field advantage.

10/20  Roger Clemens Houston has decided to keep Clemens back for a game 7 NCLS going with Pete Munro to start game 6.  But there could be a chance the Astros would hold Clemens back for game 1 of the World Series and he wouldn't pitch game 7 of the NCLS.  Personally I wouldn't do that, I send in Clemen for game 7 as if there is no tomorrow, of course everyone isn't as smart as me.

10/20  Julian Tavarez was fined $10,000 by the commissioner's office Tuesday for throwing a pitch over the head of Houston's Jeff Bagwell in Game 4 of the NL championship series.  Don't look here for any sympathy

10/19  Chris Carpenter - from MLB.com - Carpenter threw 26 pitches off the bullpen mound on Tuesday, a day after his latest favorable exam and a week after he was cleared to resume playing catch. If the Cardinals avert elimination in Game 6 on Wednesday, he's scheduled to throw again on Thursday.

10/19  Chris Carpenter -  will be re-examined today by a St. Louis neurologist and, barring a setback, could be medically cleared to pitch in the World Series, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Carpenter has not pitched since Sept. 18 because of a stretched nerve near his right biceps.  At this point, this is good news but I remain very doubtful about his return.  Let me put it this way, I'm medically cleared to pitch.

10/19  Matt Morris = trouble  Morris, an eight-year veteran who won 15 games for the Cardinals this season, declined to discuss Wednesday's big assignment after Monday's loss, and herein lies my problem with Morris.  If he's ducking the interview and can't face the reporters how in the heck is going to face down the Houston Astros?

Morris pitched five innings in Game 2 at Busch Stadium, giving up six hits and three runs in the club's 6-4 defeat, don't expect much more from him Wednesday.  Our hope is the offense produces enough to make up for the lack of ___________, well you fill in the blank.

10/17  Roster Decision - LaRussa's decision against my better judgment has already cost the Cardinals.  La Russa hasn't been able to force the switch-hitting Carlos Beltran who is killing us, to bat from his weaker right side because he has only one left hander in the bullpen.  The Kline decision could bite us in the butt, and as far as I'm concern, it already has once Sunday when Beltran homered off of Tavarez.  LaRussa had already used King and he couldn't call on Kline because he's injured, and lefties Rick Ankiel and Randy Flores were left off the post season roster.

10/17  More bad news - Houston Astros starter Monday   B. Backe is 5-1 with a 2.66 ERA in 18 games at Minute Maid Park including a Division Series start.  So don't expect game five to be a walk in the park.  Still a I give a slight edge to the Cardinals behind Williams.  It is critical the Redbirds get out in front early.

10/17  Home sweet Home - Houston, has won 21 of 22 at home dating back to the regular season, pulled even in the NLCS at two games each. St. Louis has lost its last six games at Minute Maid Park and has seen a 2-0 series lead vanish.

10/17  The bullpen - Tavarez, Calero, Ray King and Danny Haren having a collective 7.84 ERA with a loss and no saves over 10 1/3 NLCS relief innings

10/17  Mr. October?  Step aside Reggie Jackson,  Carlos Beltran has homered in five consecutive playoff games, tying the Major League record for most consecutive

postseason games with a home run...the feat has been accomplished twice previously, by Jeffrey Leonard for the Giants in 1987 and Juan Gonzalez for the Rangers in 1996...Beltran’s four NLCS home runs tie the NLCS record of four, accomplished four times (Bob Robertson, PIT 1971; Steve Garvey, LA 1978; Jeffrey Leonard, SF 1987; Jim Thome, CLE, 1998).

When the Astros signed Beltran my initial comments were his impact on the Central Division race was minimal at best, no matter what the Astros weren't going to catch the Cardinals, but his impact in the post season is unbelievable.

10/17  Jason Marquis - The start time for Game 4 on Sunday is also slated for 3:19 p.m. (CDT)... Jason Marquis (15-7, 3.71) will make the start for the Cardinals... Marquis last pitched in Game 2 of the NLDS vs. LA, posting a no-decision in the 8-3

Cardinals win...Marquis allowed three runs on four hits, including three home runs, in 3.1 innings while walking four.  A win by Marquis today could and would in my opinion spell the end of the Astros World Series hopes and dreams.

10/17  John Mabry - It's possible you could see Mabry get in the lineup today.  LaRussa went with Sanders over Cedeno in left in Saturday's game, despite Cedeno's impressive hitting against Roger Clemens.  Cedeno is 10 for 23 against the future Hall of Famer for a .435 average.  Sanders went 0-3 Saturday.

Here's the bottom line, I would have started Cedeno in left yesterday and I would start Mabry there today.

10/16  Steve Kline - Cardinals announce Kline will miss the rest of the NLCS today - well no shit - I have been telling you that for three friggin weeks - when will you all learn to listen?

10/16  Steve Kline - An examination yesterday revealed that Steve Kline has "gout-related" complications in his ailing left index finger, not further tearing of the flexor tendon, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Although he will require surgery on the digit next month, he will rejoin the Cards today and could even be available to pitch in Game 3.   Of course this is the official line and Mileur's line is - Kline is out!!!!  and the Cardinals have wasted a roster spot on him like I said over a week ago, heck now it's been two weeks ago.

10/15 Steve Kline - aggravated a torn tendon in his left index finger during his NLCS Game 2 relief appearance, according to the AP. Kline did not travel with the Cardinals to Houston on Friday, and it's unclear when, or if, he'll rejoin the team.  He should rejoin the team and sit on the bench and watch the Cardinals play.  He can't pitch folks how many times do I have to tell everyone.

10/14  Steve Kline - has no business being on this post season roster.  Herein ends my RANT.

10/14  Game One winners are usually NLCS winners. The winner of Game 1 has gone on to win the NLCS in the last 11 postseasons. The Cardinals won Game 1 in 1982 and 1987 and went to the World Series, but they lost Game 1 in 2000 and 2002. Well, you know the rest of that story.

10/14  Matt Morris - I'm thinking the bad weather plays in the hand of Morris, look for our second win tonight.

10/13  Chris Carpenter - it will be official by Thursday morning.  As we have been reporting for the last two weeks, Chris is done for the season.  Word should be coming from the team in the morning if not sooner.

10/12  Cardinals Rotation - The Cardinals announced today to go with the Birdhouse suggested rotation.  Woody Williams - Game 1,  Matt Morris - Game 2,  Jeff Suppan -game 3 & Jason Marquis - Game 4

10/12 NLCS Rosters - deadline to announce the NLCS rosters is 10:00 a.m.

10/12  Rotations - as of this morning the rotations for the NLCS have not been announced. 

10/12  Astros - The Houston Astros were the only team in the NL that the Cardinals had a losing record against this season.  In 18 games the Cardinals were 8-10 against the highly respected Central Division rivals.

10/11  NLDS Roster - as Brian Walton points out in his post game report today, that the Cardinals bench has not been used hardly at all.  Don't expect to see any changes to the roster for the NLDS.  The deadline to make changes is Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

10/11 Jason Marquis - look for Marquis to be moved back in the rotation and possibly start game 4 instead of game 2.

10/11  Matt Morris - I'm expecting Matt Morris to be moved back into the #2 hole in the rotation for the NLDS.  Look for Woody Williams to start game 1, Morris 2 and Suppan 3 - Marquis 4 and then again I could be wrong.

10/10  Chris Carpenter - as I have been reporting, Cardinal manager Tony LaRussa conceded that the Cardinals Ace Chris Carpenter will miss the NLCS.

10/10  Road Warrior Jeff Suppan - takes his 10-1 road record with a 3.55 ERA and a .226 opponents' batting average to the mound tonight to wrap up the first playoff round.

10/10  Today's Starting Pitchers -

CARDINALS PROBABLE STARTING PITCHER:  Jeff Suppan (16-9, 4.16 ERA in regular season). Suppan, who followed a six-start winning streak by losing three of four to close the season, is 0-3 with a 5.82 ERA in three career starts against the Dodgers.

DODGERS PROBABLE STARTING PITCHER: Perez (0-1, 20.25 ERA). Perez made 31 starts during the regular season and posted a stellar 3.25 ERA, but managed just seven wins and a team-record 18 no-decisions. He is 2-1 with a 9.64 ERA in four career starts against the Cardinals.

10/09  Jason Marquis - will be available to work out of the bullpen Sunday.

10/09  Scott Rolen - 0-6 during the first two games, look for Scott to break out today.

He says he's seeing the ball very well which could account for his three walks in the first two games.

10/09  Mark of Champions - St. Louis has scored 13 of its 16 runs with two outs. This is an amazing stat.

10/09  Starting Pitchers today -

CARDINALS PROBABLE STARTING PITCHER:  Matt Morris (15-10, 4.72 ERA). Morris is 1-3 with a 3.10 ERA in nine career postseason appearances, including five starts.

DODGERS PROBABLE STARTING PITCHER:  Jose Lima (13-5, 4.07 ERA). The 32-year-old right-hander is 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA in 15 career games, including 10 starts, against the Cardinals. In the loss against Morris and the Cardinals on Sept. 3, he allowed three runs and six hits in seven innings. Lima is 0-2 with a 4.70 ERA in two previous postseason games in 1997 and 1999 with Houston.

Matt Morris gets his chance today to make his mark on Cardinal History by getting a win in LA.  FYI - I expect Morris to have a GOOD outing.  ( I have my reasons )

10/09 Game BOY - Milton Bradley who tweaked his hamstring, is expected to be in the Dodgers lineup tonight. For the record he did apologize to the reporter yesterday.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, never mind.

10/09   Kerry Robinson - The Padres haave sent former St. Louis Cardinal, Kerry Robinson outright to Triple-A Portland this past week. He hit .293 with 11 stole bases in 92 at-bats this season.

10/8 Reggie Sanders - isn't expected to miss any playing time after being hit by a pitch last night.

10/08  Team Workout - The Cardinals will hold a workout from 3:15 to 5:00 PCT Friday (today)  at Dodger Stadium.  A good chance to get some autographs.

10/08  Game Times - Saturday's Game 3 at Dodger Stadium is set for a 7:10 p.m. CT first pitch and will be televised nationally on the FOX network (KTVI, channel 2, in St. Louis). Game 4 on Sunday, if necessary, will start at 3:09 p.m. CT and would be carried on ESPN2. However, if both American League Division Series have ended before Sunday, then that game would be moved back to 6:30 p.m. CT.

10/08  Chris Carpenter - like we have been reporting here consistently - From MLB.com Carp update: The latest news on Chris Carpenter is, unfortunately, the same: there is no news. Carpenter still has not progressed enough in his recovery from nerve irritation in his right arm to be able to begin a throwing program. The unusual injury remains something of a mystery to the Cardinals' training and medical staff.   Don't expect Carpenter back during the postseason.

10/07  Matt Morris - for the record, IMHO let it show that Matt Morris' problem is mental, not physical.  His physical problems have developed to compensate for the mental breakdown.

Here's an example, you are watching a Sunday football game, the quarterback completed a pass to the End, he's running down field for a touch down, the Defender chases him all the way and just as the End crosses the goal line, the Defender starts limping - and you are thinking, well no wonder he didn't catch him he's limping.

Now we are making excuses for Morris' mental breakdowns in the first innings and for all the home runs and coming up with a new limp. 

Just my personal opinion.  But let's not forget he did gut out 15 wins for us this season, it could have been a lot worse. 

A good outing Saturday could go a long way in getting rid of the limp.

10/07  High Five - The Cardinals are 4-1 in their previous best-of-five postseason series, posting an overall record of 14-3 in those games...prior to 2001’s 3-2 Division Series loss to the Diamondbacks, the Cardinals were a perfect 9-0 in best-of-five postseason series games and added a three-game sweep over Arizona in 2002...St. Louis swept three games from Atlanta in the 1982 National League Championship Series, posted a three-game sweep over San Diego in the 1996 Division Series & took three straight from Atlanta in the 2000 Division Series...St. Louis has a current

five-game home winning streak in Division Series play.  Idon't see this series with the Dodgers to go five games.

10/07  Tony the Tiger? - Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has guided the Redbirds to the postseason for the fifth time in his nine-year tenure...this year’s club is the 10th he has taken to the postseason (CWS-1983, OAK-1988-89-90-92 and STL-1996, 2000-01-02)...La Russa led the Cardinals to a 105-57 record this season, his highest win total ever as a manager...the active managerial wins leader, he moved into 6th place this year on the all-time managerial wins list with 2,114...Tony has recorded 794 wins in his nine seasons with St. Louis...the Cardinals have won 90 or more games in four of the last five seasons.  We expect the Cardinals to make it to the World Series.

10/07  Pat Borders - remember me calling for the Cardinals to sign Pat Borders as their back up catcher in the spring of 2003.  Well look who was catching for the Twins last night, my man Pat Borders.  Good luck Pat.

10/07  Worry? - for those who like to worry - On September the 10 th,  today's starter Jason Marquis gave up five runs in six innings of a 7-6 loss at Dodger Stadium, though he didn't get a decision.  Jason has had a rough September  dropping three of his last four starts this season, posting a 4.77 ERA . 

10/07  Chris Carpenter - forget about it.  Insiders are reporting to the Birdhouse that Carpenter won't be ready to pitch before next season.  This tends to confirm my diagnosis of his injury.

10/06  Dodgers vs Cardinals This series matchup will mark the second time the two teams have faced each other in the postseason...the two teams met in the League Championship series in 1985 with the Cardinals coming out on top 4-2...the Cardinals’ have won nine World Championships, just ahead of the Los Angeles/Brooklyn Dodgers six World Series wins...the LA/Brooklyn teams have a combined 16 National League pennants vs.the Cardinals 15 National League Championships.

10/06  20th Postseason: St. Louis is playing in the postseason for the 20th time in franchise history...the Cardinals own 15 N.L. Championships and nine World Championships...this is the fifth Division Series that the Cardinals have played

in...they’ve won three of the previous four.

10/06  Adam Wainwright -  made his first game appearance in nearly four months on Tuesday, starting for the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League. The tall right-hander hadn't pitched since early June due to elbow trouble. Wainwright lasted two innings, allowing a solo homer among three base hits, walking two and striking out one in a 5-4 Solar Sox loss. 

10/03  Notes -

Pitching - The Cardinals pitching staff fell percentage points behind the Braves in the National League's overall ERA chase. Atlanta's final ERA was 3.742 while St. Louis finished at 3.746.

Albert Pujols - finished four extra-base hits shy of Stan Musial's club record of 103, set in 1948.

Milwaukee - With a 9-4 win Sunday, the Cardinals captured the season series vs. Milwaukee, 9-8. The last time they lost a season series to the Brewers was 1999 (6-7).

105 - St. Louis became the seventh team in franchise history to record 100 wins. The club's 105 wins tied for the second most in franchise history with the 1943 and 1944 teams. The 1942 club finished with 106 wins.

Ray Lankford's - home run Sunday was his 123rd at Busch Stadium, the most any player has hit there.

200 Home Runs - The Cardinals surpassed the 200-homer mark for just the third time in franchise history, finishing with 214. The team record was set in 2000 (235 homers).

Jason Isringhausen - ended the campaign with 47 saves, tying Lee Smith's 1991 club record. St. Louis recorded a franchise-record 57 saves this season, passing the mark of 54 set in 1993.

3,000,000 - The Cardinals passed the 3 million mark in attendance for the eighth time in franchise history. They have surpassed that mark in six of the last seven years.

10/02  Edgar Renteria - if the reports coming into the CIA are correct, this is Renteria's last season with the Cardinals.  We'll keep you posted.

10/02  Three Catchers - old habits die hard.  LaRussa is considering carrying a 3rd catcher, which would mean Cody McKay could take up a valuable post season roster spot.  Add to the fact that Carpenter most likely won't be able to pitch and Kline is suspect at best, this could cause problems through out the post season.

10/02  Tony LaRussa - is not expected to name the post season roster until late Monday night.

10/02  Woody Williams - to get the start in game one, the rest of the rotation rounds out with Jason Marquis (15-6, 3.66) who will pitch in Game 2, Matt Morris (15-10, 4.72)  will get his start on the road in Game 3 and Jeff Suppan (16-9, 4.16) will work in Game 4. The Cardinals are without Chris Carpenter (15-5, 3.46), who's been sidelined with nerve damage in his right biceps since Sept. 18 -- the day they clinched the NL Central.  This rotation has my full support.

10/02  Playoff Rotation - LaRussa will make an announcement today

10/02  Home Field - Cardinals Have clinched home-field throughout the NL postseason. Will host an NL West team (wild card if there are two) in the NLDS.

10/02 The Fans - debate rages, as everyone looks to blame someone for the lack of tickets available to the fans for the playoffs.  Show-me Tickets is taking the brunt of the blame, but the bottom line is, it's the fans selling their tickets at a profit to ticket brokers and on e-Bay that must share in the blame.  Fans are asking $175.00 for standing room only tickets on e-Bay, and they are probably the same fans complaining about Show-Me Tickets.

10/01 Tony Womack - will be in the lineup tonight.

09/30  Tony Womack - should be back in the lineup over the weekend.

09/30  Chris Carpenter - as we reported earlier it is official now Carpenter will miss the first round of the playoffs.  What comes next could spell disaster for the Cards.

09/30  Steve Kline - has to pitch this weekend, if he is going to be on the post season roster.  IMHO - Show me something other than heart.

09/30  Matt Morris - no way I let Morris start game 1 and potentially come back and pitch game 5.  He failed to get the job done against Milwaukee as the Mini Exhibition Season came to an end tonight.  This was the first of four games Cardinals needed to use to get sharp for the post season.  Morris showed me again, he doesn't have what it takes to lead a team to a World Championship.  WARNING WARNING, WILL ROBINSON DANGER DANGER DANGER

09/29  Matt Morris - not for the faint of heart.  Morris will be the Cardinals #1 starter in the playoffs, meaning in round one if it goes to five games, Morris will start game 1 and game 5.  I'm getting too old for this.

09/29  Chris Carpenter - the Cardinals have no plans to pitch Carpenter in the first round of the playoffs and there is serious doubt he'll be ready even before the World Series.  The question is can the Cardinals carry both Carpenter & Kline on the roster with them not being able to even play?  If the Cardinals carry Carpenter on the roster I don't see how they can carry Kline as well.

09/29  Steve Kline - came of the DL today.  He will most likely be limited to special relief facing just one maybe two batters.  Personally I don't think he's ready.

09/28  Scott Rolen - expected to be in the lineup tonight.

09/28  Tony Womack - I'm projecting Womack will miss the final two games with Houston, even though he says he is ready to play today.  For sure he will not play tonight.

09/28  Steve Kline - is hoping to pitch in the final series with Milwaukee, but he is still having trouble with his left index finger.  He is expected to throw about 30 pitches to hitters before tonight's game.  His finger is responding some treatment.

09/27  Rick Ankiel - isn't the first pitcher to get lit up, get him back in there, during the Houston series.

09/27  Steve Kline -Baseball Hotsheet made this report today - Kline is scheduled to throw a 30-pitch simulation in Houston this week before possibly being activated to pitch this weekend, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Kline has a groin injury and a partly torn flexor tendon attached to his left index finger, which has responded to new treatment.

09/27  Scott Rolen - is expected to play during this series as we projected last week.  He will see limited playing time until the post season.

09/27  Chris Carpenter - It is now being reported that Carpenter will miss the first round of the playoffs.  We had previously reported that the reports of him just missing one or two starts seemed very optimistic and unlikely to us.  Carpenter could be ready for the second round of the playoffs.

09/24  Matt Morris -  is 11-4 with a 3.89 ERA in 18 night starts, compared with 4-5 and a 5.82 ERA in 12 day games.

09/24  Larry Walker - is still listed day-to-day with shin splints.

09/24  Steve Kline - is expected to pitch next weekend at home against the Brewers in the final series of the season.  We remain doubtful that Kline will be on the post season roster.  Get Ankiel mentally prepared to step in. 

09/24  Chris Carpenter - to be examined again Saturday, unlikely he'll get a start before next weekend and then that could throw the rotation off for the post season.

09/23  Larry Walker - has been suffering with shin splints and trust me those are a pain, but he should be able to play through them.

09/23  Matt Morris - will skip his scheduled start Saturday to rest up for the postseason. The club hasn't named a replacement to start the game.  It appears it will be a bullpen game.

09/23  Scott Rolen - ran on a treadmill yesterday for the second straight day, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He also jogged in the outfield and took pregame hitting and infield work as he continues to try to return from his strained calf before the regular season ends.   We expect him to return by the 30th if not sooner.

09/23  Chris Carpenter - who has a nerve irritation in his upper arm, was evaluated Wednesday, and an MRI of his neck, shoulder, and upper arm were normal. He will be re-evaluated on Saturday.  There is increasing concern Carpenter will not be ready for the Post Season.  He is still complaining of some pain.  Suppan would move back into the post season rotation.  It could be a lot worse - I trust Suppan with the ball.

09/23  Steve Kline - as we reported four days ago, it is being reported by major media sources, that the Cardinals now feel that Steve Kline has a bigger problem with a partially torn flexor tendon in his left index finger than he does with the groin injury that landed him on the DL on Aug. 28. 

09/23  Home Field Advantage - The Cardinals clinched home-field advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs Wednesday, with their win over the Brewers.

09/22  Chris Carpenter/Scott Rolen/Steve Kline - Cardinals have guarded optimism about all three being ready for the post season.

09/21  Rick Ankiel - get him ready for the post season, I don't think Kline will be ready.

09/21  Rick Ankiel - get him ready for the post season, I don't think Kline will be ready.

09/19  Steve Kline - Kline's return is being pushed back until probably the Astro series 27 - 29 September.  Kline threw 30 pitches off the mound Saturday and is expected to throw off the mound again Tuesday.

09/18  Chris Carpenter - to miss next start and maybe even more after leaving yesterday's game with a a strained biceps in his pitching arm.  We should have more information by Sunday night.

09/16  Scott Rolen - Though Rolen missed another start tonight and is expected to be out through the weekend, he did take batting practice and some fielding before the game.

09/16  Scott Rolen - The Post is now reporting Rolen will miss the rest of the homestand as we anticipated a couple of days ago

09/15  Matt Morris - again as we have continued to report for months now, there is nothing physically wrong with Morris.  In recent Post Dispatch Polls, 49% of the fans voting would drop Morris from the rotation in the playoffs.

09/14 Scott Rolen - there is some question as to if Scott will even play this week.

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