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Team Notebook: St. Louis Cardinals News, Rumors and Injury Updates
 Cardinals | More on Schumaker Updating previous reports, The Associated Press reports St. Louis Cardinals 2B Skip Schumaker will make $2 million this season and $2.7 million in 2011. His deal also contains performance bonuses that could make the two-year deal worth $5 million. Cardinals | Schumaker avoids arbitration The Associated Press reports St. Louis Cardinals 2B Skip Schumaker avoided arbitration by agreeing to a two-year contract worth $4.7 million. Cardinals | McClellan to get extended look in spring The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss reports St. Louis Cardinals SP Kyle McClellan has been told he will have an extended look at the fifth starter job. "I've been told to come in prepared to start," McClellan said. "Of course, that depends on the moves they make going forward. As of right now there's a fifth spot open. My whole mind-set is to come in and show I can start. Obviously, the last two years show I can pitch in the bullpen. Really it depends on where they see me and being the best fit." Cardinals | Lohse says he's healthy Matthew Leach, of MLB.com, reports St. Louis Cardinals SP Kyle Lohse (forearm) said he is finally healthy this offseason. "I've been playing catch (since early January), and it's like a normal part of the year for me," Lohse said. "I'm not doing anything different right now. A (few days) ago I was making sure I was doing a little extra exercises to make sure the strength was still there and I didn't feel any tightness or any of the feelings I was feeling last year. And I wasn't feeling it, so I feel good about where I'm at." Cardinals | Have two spots open in pen Cardinals.MLB.com's Matthew Leach reports the St. Louis Cardinals have two spots up for grabs in the bullpen. Cardinals | Pujols extension talks ongoing? Joe Strauss, of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports the St. Louis Cardinals are currently negotiating with 1B Albert Pujols about a contract extension, though the team won't acknowledge the talks. Cardinals | Ryan working hard Matthew Leach, of MLB.com, reports St. Louis Cardinals 2B Brendan Ryan is hitting more than he ever has this offseason. "I don't think he's ever hit this much in the offseason (before)," said 2B Skip Schumaker. "I don't know if he even hit in the offseason before the last couple weeks of spring (in previous years). He hasn't been late one time, which is more incredible than anything I think. He's done a great job. McGwire's been working hard with him, and it's hard not to like Brendan Ryan. He's a good kid, works hard and I think there's going to be some nice improvements." Cardinals | Any pickups will be on offense Cardinals.MLB.com's Matthew Leach reports St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak confirmed any additions from here on out will be on offense. Cardinals | Expected to attend Lowry's workout Stephen Goff, of Examiner.com, reports the St. Louis Cardinals are expected to attend free-agent SP Noah Lowry's (Giants) throwing session Tuesday, Feb. 2, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. Cardinals | Hill feels stronger Joe Strauss, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports St. Louis Cardinals SP Rich Hill (shoulder) feels he is very strong coming into the 2010 season. "We feel he's healthy," general manager John Mozeliak said. "He feels that he's stronger than he ever was last year. It's the best he's felt since '07." Hill will be competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. Cardinals | Smoltz unlikely to return The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss reports the St. Louis Cardinals appear unlikely to re-sign SP John Smoltz after the team stated a need for greater competition for the fifth spot in the rotation. Cardinals | Hill to compete for fifth spot The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss reports St. Louis Cardinals SP Rich Hill will compete with SP Jaime Garcia and RP Kyle McClellan for the fifth spot in the rotation. Cardinals | Spring training invites issued Joe Strauss, of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports SP Rich Hill is the marquee player among 17 players invited to spring training by the St. Louis Cardinals. In addition to Hill, invites were extended to Ps Lance Lynn, Evan MacLane, Pete Parise, Oneli Perez, Fernando Salas, Eduardo Sanchez and Charlie Zink, Cs Tony Cruz, Charlie Cutler, Steven Hill and Robert Stock, IFs Daniel Descalso, Ruben Gotay, Peter Kozma and Donovan Solano, and OF Tyler Henley. Cardinals | Hill signs Matthew Leach, of MLB.com, reports the St. Louis Cardinals signed free-agent SP Rich Hill (Orioles) to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training Tuesday, Jan. 26. Cardinals | Edmonds not in plans Alden Gonzalez, of MLB.com, reports the St. Louis Cardinals are not an option for free-agent OF Jim Edmonds (Cubs), according to the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. Cardinals | Have three starters locked up through 2012 The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Rick Hummel reports the St. Louis Cardinals have three starters locked up through 2012 and didn't have room to re-sign SP Joel Pineiro to a multiyear deal. SP Chris Carpenter will make $14.5 million in 2010, $15 million in 2011, and the team has a $15 million option for 2012. SP Adam Wainwright will make $4.65 million in 2010, $6.5 million in 2011, and there are club options for $9 million and $12 million in 2012 and 2013. SP Kyle Lohse makes $8.875 million in 2010 and will make $11.875 million in 2011 and 2012. Cardinals | Edmonds won't get in Rasmus' way The St. Louis Globe-Democrat's Rob Rains reports free-agent OF Jim Edmonds (Cubs) said he had no intentions of being the starting center fielder with the St. Louis Cardinals. He said he knows OF Colby Rasmus is the starter, and he'll give the Cardinals some time to make a decision while he gets himself in playing shape. "Colby and I actually have the same agent," Edmonds said. "Colby is the center fielder. My job would be to help him and replace him when he needed help, and give other guys a day off when they needed it. I wouldn't get in Colby's way. " Cardinals | Penny will adjust easily Matthew Leach, of MLB.com, reports St. Louis Cardinals SP Brad Penny thinks it will be easy for him to adjust to pitching coach Dave Duncan's philosophy of recording quick outs. "I've never really been (a strikeout pitcher)," Penny said. "I was in the minor leagues, but as far as being in the big leagues, I've never been a real strikeout guy. I don't even know my total for a season. I've tried to pitch to contact. That's how you get deep into games." Cardinals | Freese still on track to start The Associated Press reports St. Louis Cardinals 3B David Freese is still on track to become the team's starting third baseman this year despite his drunk driving arrest in December. Freese said he hasn't taken a drink since his DUI arrest. He entered an alcoholic treatment program, and said he has lost 16 pounds during his offseason conditioning. "As of right now I'm not drinking," Freese said. "The future is going to tell you what the future holds, but I'm just kind of taking it one day at a time." Competition for Freese at third base could come from OF Joe Mather or SS Tyler Greene. Cardinals | Two re-sign Baseball America's Matt Eddy reports the St. Louis Cardinals re-signed P Evan MacLane and P Oneli Perez to minor league contracts. Cardinals | Reviewing Wang's medical records The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports the St. Louis Cardinals are reviewing free-agent SP Chien-Ming Wang's (Yankees) medical records. Cardinals | Schumaker's arbitration numbers Joe Strauss, of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports St. Louis Cardinals 2B Skip Schumaker is seeking $2.75 million in salary arbitration, while the club is offering $1.45 million. Cardinals | Avoid arbitration with Ludwick ESPN.com reports the St. Louis Cardinals avoided arbitration with OF Ryan Ludwick by agreeing to a one-year, $5.45 million deal Tuesday, Jan. 19. Cardinals | Craig taking grounders The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports St. Louis Cardinals OF Allen Craig said he is taking grounders at third base this winter in hopes that he'll get a chance during spring training to show he can play third base, first base and left field. Cardinals | Lohse's forearm is fine The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports St. Louis Cardinals SP Kyle Lohse (forearm) said his right forearm hasn't bothered him this offseason. He said he may have rushed his return last year. "I wanted to go out there and keep taking the ball," Lohse said. "I'll definitely be more cautious." Cardinals | Edmonds serious about return Updating previous reports, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports retired OF Jim Edmonds was serious when he said he'd take the league minimum to return to the St. Louis Cardinals. "He's serious about wanting it," manager Tony La Russa said. "Out of respect, we'll give him a serious discussion." Cardinals | Pujols not rushing to sign extension Joe Strauss, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports St. Louis Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols said that he is in no rush to sign a contract extension with the team. He also mentioned that he will not engage in contract talks during the 2010 season. "My timetable is when I'm a free agent," said Pujols. "Right now we've got a couple years. I don't need to worry about that right now. Right now my job is to let my agent (Dan Lozano) do my talking. We're open to talk about it. But I tell you: When the season starts we're not talking about it." Cardinals | Not entertaining Edmonds idea Updating an earlier report, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss reports the St. Louis Cardinals aren't entertaining the idea of signing retired OF Jim Edmonds. Cardinals | Holliday says he quit taking workout supplements The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports St. Louis Cardinals OF Matt Holliday said he hasn't taken part in the use of steroids and doesn't know if it enhances performance or not. Holliday said he monitored the supplements he used carefully to make sure they were approved by Major League Baseball and has since quit taking supplements entirely. "I quit taking supplements all together. I'll stick to a protein shake and that's about it," Holliday said. "I don't think that's an area that I would ever take a chance not knowing." Cardinals | Edmonds serious about return? Cardinals.MLB.com's Matthew Leach reports retired OF Jim Edmonds spoke at St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa's animal rescue benefit Sunday, Jan. 17, and said he wanted to sign with the Cardinals for the league minimum. It's unknown whether Edmonds was serious, though. The Cardinals have a need for a left-handed power bat off the bench. Cardinals | Garcia excited Cardinals.MLB.com's Matthew Leach reports St. Louis Cardinals SP Jaime Garcia said he hasn't been significantly restricted this winter after he returned from Tommy John surgery late last season. "The way I've been throwing and feeling, and the way I felt when I was in Memphis last year, I think I'm feeling the best I've felt, the best shape, my arm feels great," Garcia said. "I don't know how many innings I'm going to pitch, how many I'm going to be able to pitch. I just feel like this is the best I've felt." Cardinals | Carpenter in great shape Cardinals.MLB.com's Matthew Leach reports St. Louis Cardinals SP Chris Carpenter said he's in great shape after enjoying an offseason without rehabbing an injury. "I feel like I'm as strong as I've ever been, as conditioned as I've ever been," Carpenter said. "My shoulder feels good. My elbow feels good. I started throwing a couple weeks ago, so I'm looking forward to it." Cardinals | Schumaker expects improvement The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Rick Hummel reports St. Louis Cardinals 2B Skip Schumaker expects to improve his play at second base and said he expects to become an above-average second baseman this season. Cardinals | More on Schumaker Updating previous reports, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Rick Hummel reports St. Louis Cardinals 2B Skip Schumaker is close to signing a one-year deal worth around $2 million to avoid arbitration. Cardinals | McGwire addresses fans, media in separate sessions The Associated Press reports former St. Louis Cardinals 1B and current hitting coach Mark McGwire addressed fans at the team's annual Winter Warmup, warning against steroid use. "I've learned a lot," McGwire told fans. "Especially to kids out there, steroids are bad. I made a huge mistake in my life and it's something I want you guys to learn from. Don't ever, ever go down that road." There was a short session with the media afterward marked by some basic and some belligerent questions. Cardinals | Schumaker close to signing deal Updating previous reports, St. Louis Cardinals 2B Skip Schumaker said he is close to signing a deal with the club to avoid salary arbitration, according to B.J. Rains of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. However, nothing has been finalized yet. Cardinals | Ludwick, Schumaker file for arbitration MLB.com's Matthew Leach reports that St. Louis Cardinals OF Ryan Ludwick and 2B Skip Schumaker have filed for salary arbitration. Cardinals | McGwire to speak at team's winter warmup The Associated Press is reporting St. Louis Cardinals hitting coach Mark McGwire will speak at the team's annual Winter Warmup, the fan festival put on by the Cardinals, on Sunday, Jan. 17. He'll be fielding questions from fans and speaking with the media. Cardinals | Ryan using new batting stance The St. Louis Globe-Democrat's B.J. Rains reports that St. Louis Cardinals IF Brendan Ryan has changed his batting stance to mirror the stance used by 1B Albert Pujols. Cardinals | Ankiel's return to St. Louis a longshot St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said free-agent OF Rick Ankiel is unlikely to return to the club because they cannot guarantee him the number of at-bats he wants next season, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Cardinals | Will watch Sheets' workout The St. Louis Globe-Democrat's Rob Rains reports the St. Louis Cardinals will watch free-agent SP Ben Sheets' (Brewers) throwing session, according to general manager John Mozeliak. Cardinals | Will watch Turnbow's workout The St. Louis Globe-Democrat's Rob Rains reports the St. Louis Cardinals will watch free-agent RP Derrick Turnbow's (Rangers) throwing session. Cardinals | Zink signs CBSSports.com reports the St. Louis Cardinals signed free-agent P Charlie Zink (Red Sox) to an undisclosed minor league deal Thursday, Jan. 14. Cardinals | Could land Contreras Jon Greenberg, of ESPNChicago.com, reports the St. Louis Cardinals could sign free-agent SP Jose Contreras (Rockies) to a one-year, incentive-laden deal. Cardinals | Make offer to Valverde Matthew Leach, of MLB.com, reports the St. Louis Cardinals are one of the teams with a standing offer to free-agent RP Jose Valverde (Astros), according to Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown. However, a team source said that an offer to Valverde would be "news to me," and that there is "nothing to it." |
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