BY JOE STRAUSSST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH03/01/2010

JUPITER, Fla. — The addition of utility starter Felipe Lopez answers several questions for the Cardinals. It also invites another: Whither Julio Lugo?

Lugo entered camp hoping to vie for a starting role and projected by the club as a possibility to open the season at shortstop if Brendan Ryan’s recovery from wrist surgery stalls. The signing of Lopez to a deal that offers him more incentive money ($1.2 million) than base salary ($1 million) suggests that Lugo’s window of opportunity may have closed at least partly.

"It doesn’t change anything for me," Lugo insisted after a workout Sunday at Roger Dean Stadium. "I just worry about myself and getting ready. They’re the one who makes the decisions."

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Lopez’s incentives top out at 600 plate appearances. He receives $200,000 should he reach 350 plate appearances and another $200,000 for each increment of 50 more. His ability to switch hit makes Lopez a legitimate option to become part of a three-man platoon with David Freese and Skip Schumaker at third base and second base, respectively. Manager Tony La Russa and general manager John Mozeliak haven’t projected any arrangement, but Mozeliak insisted Saturday that retaining both Lopez and Lugo is "doable."

The topic is a predictable one for La Russa, who phoned Lopez repeatedly as part of a lobbying effort to bring him back to the club he helped for two months in 2007.

"What I said (about Lugo) is what I’m concerned about because I know he’s that type of player," La Russa said, referring to Lugo’s desire for heavy playing time. "I’m not saying it’s going to be an issue for us."

The Cardinals also retain Tyler Greene as a potential fallback for Ryan. La Russa said he hopes to see a more confident and consistent hitter than the one who suffered from exposure last September.

La Russa added that he does not expect Greene to receive much time at third base this spring. Greene made 20 starts at third last season.

Lugo, 34, is owed $9 million this season; however, the Boston Red Sox are liable for all but $400,000 after trading him to the Cardinals last July 22 for left fielder Chris Duncan.

Lugo is three years removed from playing 147 games for the Red Sox. He is in the final year of his contract. And given the Cardinals’ low salary commitment, Lugo offers obvious value to a team in need of middle infield assistance.

Lugo batted .277 with 13 extra-base hits and 13 RBIs in 148 at-bats for the Cardinals last season. He made 18 starts at shortstop and 17 at second. The Cardinals are Lugo’s fifth team in 10 seasons. He knows little is guaranteed.

"I always play for 30 teams. I’m on the Cardinals. But you never know what’s going to happen," he said. "I’m not thinking about anything else but being a Cardinal player. When you’re up there, you’re on the bubble every day. You don’t know what’s going to happen. But I’m going to enjoy myself, get ready and get a lot of hits."

Asked about the vagueness of his role, Lugo replied, "You’ll see after spring training’s over. Then we’ll talk."

RYAN STEPS IT UP

Ryan takes another step today in his rehab from wrist surgery when he does some short-distance throwing and light swinging off a tee.

"I’m just going to test it to see where I’m at," he said.

Ryan has been taking ground balls while being careful not to involve his repaired right wrist. His modified plan allows him to make short throws to second base. He continues to do flexibility exercises on the area after taking heat treatment each morning.

"Really, (today) is going to be about dealing with the stiffness," Ryan said. "I think it’s healthy stiffness."

Before surgery, Ryan said his wrist often became sensitive to touch. He insists there has been no such discomfort since he walked into camp wearing a soft cast.

"I’ll be more excited when I’m in a group," said Ryan, who remains on his own program. "Right now I’m just roaming around. Here we are. I’m looking forward to it. I don’t imagine it’s going to feel immaculate, though."

Describing his recovery as "a series of baby steps unless there is a setback — some kind of pinch or pain," Ryan is convinced he will be ready opening day.

ET CETERA

Four players and one coach who missed Saturday’s workout because of flu returned to camp Sunday. Schumaker, starting pitcher Kyle Lohse, minor-league catcher Robert Stock, reliever Blake Hawksworth and first-base coach Dave McKay participated in Sunday workouts. Schumaker admitted still feeling some effects. Lohse said he lost seven pounds. McKay awoke late Saturday night believing there was no way he would make it to camp but felt better by the morning. The stricken team members found it impossible to keep food down while battling dehydration.

"I thought about staying out another day, but it was important for me to get back in here and show leadership," said Lohse, recovered enough to offer dry humor. In all, 18 staff and players have dealt with the condition since camp opened. Director of media relations Brian Bartow became the latest Sunday. …

A stiff northerly breeze and cool temperatures continue to make things challenging for pitchers. Chris Carpenter threw his second straight session of live batting practice in such conditions Sunday, calling it "miserable." The wind makes it extremely difficult for pitchers to get feedback on offspeed pitches. "It’s important to get your work in and you make the most of it, but it’s miserable," Carpenter said. Fellow starter Brad Penny noted, "Your curveball ends up bouncing. Then you adjust and you’re up. It’s not ideal." The trying conditions are expected to persist through much of this week.

Read more…

Cardinals infielder Felipe Lopez, right, with and hitting instructor Mark McGwire by the batting cages Saturday during Cardinals spring training. (Chris Lee/P-D)

By Joe StraussST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/28/2010

JUPITER, Fla. — The Cardinals proved Friday night that they could realize Plan A with room left over for a little Plan B.

Filling many needs at once, the club on Saturday announced the signing of utility player Felipe Lopez to a one-year, $1 million base with another $1.2 million in potential appearance incentives. The deal immediately augments the team’s flexibility while quieting concerns over what had projected as a young, vulnerable bench while ending Lopez’ frustrating winter of waiting.

"I can play anywhere. That’s the right answer, right?" Lopez offered after completing a team physical. "I’ll play anywhere. I know this team … is a really good team, so wherever they need me."

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 STATS: 2009 postseason, regular season
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The Cardinals need the veteran Lopez in many ways. His ability to switch-hit adds another lefthanded bat to a roster that had projected second baseman Skip Schumaker and center fielder Colby Rasmus as its only others. Lopez is also able to play all infield positions and offers insurance with rookie David Freese still projected as the Opening Day third baseman and shortstop Brendan Ryan recovering from Feb. 9 wrist surgery.

Lopez’ ability to hit righthanded may also factor should manager Tony La Russa wish to rest Schumaker against tough lefthanders. The Cardinals also retain veteran infielder Julio Lugo, a righthanded hitter.

"I go to every team not expecting anything. I think if you perform well and do good, you cannot be ignored," Lopez said. "I’m coming in here just working hard and doing what I do."

Lopez, 29, impressed the Cardinals during a two-month layover at the end of the 2008 season. La Russa had lobbied for the club to retain him as a free agent, but Lopez opted for a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Traded in midseason to the Milwaukee Brewers, Lopez finished with impressive numbers — a .310 average, nine home runs, 57 RBIs and an .810 on-base-plus-slugging percentage — but discovered a tepid market for his services.

The Cardinals had projected Lopez as part of their so-called Plan B if they could not re-sign left fielder Matt Holliday. To their surprise, Lopez’ market continued to slide in the six weeks since.

Lopez switched agents while sitting in limbo. He also worked out near his Orlando home with a group of major-league players that included former Cardinals shortstop David Eckstein and Brewers slugger Prince Fielder.

The Cardinals remained in contact with his new representation at Beverly Hills Sports Council and, less than a week after general manager John Mozeliak all but dismissed the possibility, signed Lopez after talks regained momentum Wednesday.

"He was part of Plan B, frankly," Mozeliak said. "As we signed Matt Holliday we basically turned our attention to find some other protection on this club. As things transpired, it ended up being a deal we could do."

Mozeliak finalized the deal Friday afternoon because "I don’t think he would have been there if we had waited through the weekend."

Lopez felt he became more marketable earlier this month after moving on from the Scott Boras Corporation to Beverly Hills Sports Council. Lopez said he contemplated the move after the 2008 season but reconsidered.

"Last year I almost made the change. I gave it another year and things didn’t change," he said. "You can’t stay somewhere and have them keep doing the same thing to you, right?"

Having switched teams six times in less than 10 seasons, Lopez has gained the reputation of a hired gun prone to wearing out his welcome within a clubhouse. The Cardinals, however, saw few such problems in 2008 and believe their clubhouse culture a positive force.

"I think when you play on this club there are expectations on how you carry yourself. When he was here, he did a great job of that and fit in quite well,’ Mozeliak said.

"I knew who I wanted to play for," Lopez insisted. "This has been my first choice since I played back here in ‘08. It’s a good organization. I’m glad to be here. They’ve always treated me with open arms. It’s just positive around here."

La Russa offered no blueprint for how much exposure Lopez would receive but insisted he would realize liberal playing time. Lopez has averaged more than 600 plate appearances the last three seasons and last year served as the Diamondbacks’ and the Brewers’ starting second baseman.

"He’ll get a lot of at-bats all over," La Russa said. "That’s what I’ve been talking to him about."

The number of at-bats Lopez gets is a big factor in his $1.2 million worth of incentives. His 350th plate appearance triggers a $200,000 bonus, and every 50 plate appearances after that results in another $200,000 bonus. To max out, Lopez would need 600 plate appearances. Only Albert Pujols had more than 590 plate appearances on the 2009 Cardinals.

Lopez allows La Russa significantly more dexterity with his bench, an issue that had moved the manager to assert that an extra player had become a more pressing need than a set-up reliever who could also close.

Mozeliak conceded concern about Ryan’s Opening Day availability, though the club remains optimistic the shortstop’s return will be sooner than later.

"I do think that in the back of my mind it was something you had to consider, just in case," Mozeliak said. "When you started to look at what the potential trade options might be as you get into late March, it just wasn’t as attractive as trying to nail this down."

Read more…

September 10, 2008: Cards third baseman Felipe Lopez dives to catch a ground ball off the bat of Chicago’s Alfonso Soriano. (Chris Lee/P-D)

By Joe StraussST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/26/2010

JUPITER, Fla. • The St. Louis Cardinals are close to agreement with free agent utility player Felipe Lopez on a one-year contract that would offer infield depth and add a much-needed lefthanded bat, sources close to negotiations confirmed Friday.

The parties were close enough to a deal Friday night that they had discussed the possibility of Lopez undergoing a team physical this weekend.

Lopez, 29, has lingered on the free agent market despite hitting .310 with nine home runs and 57 RBIs in 151 games split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers last season.

His flagging market contributed to the switch-hitting Lopez changing representation to Beverly Hills Sports Council, which represents Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and right fielder Ryan Ludwick.

Talks between the Cardinals and Lopez intensified in the past two days. Manager Tony La Russa recently allowed that the club could help itself with another lefthanded bat but stopped short of declaring it a critical need.

Lopez played 43 games with the Cardinals in 2008 following his release by the Washington Nationals. He hit .385 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in the team’s unsuccessful chase of the Chicago Cubs. Lopez played every position except center field and catcher.

STATISTICS
 Felipe Lopez’s career

The marked-down deal would be for less than a $2 million base plus incentives, according to a source familiar with talks.

The well-traveled Lopez has averaged 628 plate appearances the last three seasons but would be hard-pressed to challenge that number with a team that already projects a regular at every position.

Lopez would offer a degree of insurance for rookie third baseman David Freese and a righthanded option at second base should La Russa opt for an occasional platoon with Skip Schumaker. The Cardinals also retain Julio Lugo, a righthanded hitter who is most adept at second base and shortstop.

Signing Lopez also adds depth if shortstop Brendan Ryan recovers more slowly than hoped from recent wrist surgery.

Read more…

By Joe StraussST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/27/2010

JUPITER, Fla. - The Cardinals proved Friday night that they could realize Plan A with room left over for a little Plan B.

Filling many needs at once, the club on Saturday announced the signing of utility player Felipe Lopez to a one-year, $1 million base with another $1.2 million in potential appearance incentives. The deal immediately augments the team’s flexibility while quieting concerns over what had projected as a young, vulnerable bench while ending Lopez’ frustrating winter of waiting.SCHEDULE: Cards in 2010 (includes spring training)

 ROSTER: 2010 Cardinals (click player names for career stats)

 STATS: 2009 postseason, regular season

 INTERACT

 CARD BEAT: News/notes in daily blog

 BIRD LAND: Goold’s baseball blog

 CARDS TALK: Fan forum

 I-WITNESS: View/share your Cards photos

 QUIZ: Cards postseason history

 MULTIMEDIA

 VIDEOS: Post-Dispatch and News4 at camp

 MORE: P-D and News4 team up

 PHOTO GALLERIES: Cards in camp

 POST-DISPATCH COVERAGE

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"I can play anywhere. That’s the right answer, right?" Lopez offered after completing a team physical. "I’ll play anywhere. I know this team. is a really good team, so wherever they need me."

The Cardinals need the veteran Lopez in many ways. His ability to switch-hit adds another lefthanded bat to a roster that had projected second baseman Skip Schumaker and center fielder Colby Rasmus as its only others. Lopez is also able to play all infield positions and offers insurance with rookie David Freese still projected as the Opening Day third baseman and shortstop Brendan Ryan recovering from Feb. 9 wrist surgery.

Lopez’ ability to hit righthanded may also factor should manager Tony La Russa wish to rest Schumaker against tough lefts. The Cardinals also retain veteran infielder Julio Lugo, a righthanded hitter.

"I go to every team not expecting anything. I think if you perform well and do good, you cannot be ignored," Lopez said. "I’m coming in here just working hard and doing what I do."

Lopez, 29, impressed the Cardinals during a two-month layover at the end of the 2008 season. La Russa had lobbied for the club to retain him as a free agent but Lopez opted for a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Traded in midseason to the Milwaukee Brewers, Lopez finished with impressive numbers - a .310 average, nine home runs, 57 RBI and an .810 on-base-plus-slugging percentage - but discovered a tepid market for his services.

The Cardinals had projected Lopez as part of their so-called Plan B if they could not re-sign left fielder Matt Holliday. To their surprise, Lopez’ market continued to slide in the six weeks since.

Lopez switched agents while sitting in limbo. He also worked out near his Orlando home with a group of major-league players that included former Cardinals shortstop David Eckstein and Milwaukee Brewers slugger Prince Fielder.

The Cardinals remained in contact with his new representation at Beverly Hills Sports Council and, less than a week after general manager John Mozeliak all but dismissed the possibility, signed Lopez after talks regained momentum Wednesday.

"He was part of Plan B, frankly," Mozeliak said. "As we signed Matt Holliday we basically turned our attention to find some other protection on this club. As things transpired, it ended up being a deal we could do."

Mozeliak finalized the deal Friday afternoon because "I don’t think he would have been there if we had waited through the weekend."

Lopez felt he became more marketable earlier this month after moving on from the Scott Boras Corporation to Beverly Hills Sports Council. Lopez said he contemplated the move after the 2008 season but reconsidered.

"Last year I almost made the change. I gave it another year and things didn’t change," he said. "You can’t stay somewhere and have them keep doing the same thing to you, right?"

Having switched teams six times in less than 10 seasons, Lopez has gained the reputation of a hired gun prone to wearing out his welcome within a clubhouse. The Cardinals, however, saw few such problems in 2008 and believe their clubhouse culture a positive force.

"I think when you play on this club there are expectations on how you carry yourself. When he was here, he did a great job of that and fit in quite well,’ Mozeliak said.

"I knew who I wanted to play for," Lopez insisted. "This has been my first choice since I played back here in ‘08. It’s a good organization. I’m glad to be here. They’ve always treated me with open arms. It’s just positive around here."

La Russa offered no blueprint for how much exposure Lopez would receive but insisted he would realize liberal playing time. Lopez has averaged more than 600 plate appearances the last three seasons and last year served as the Diamondbacks’ and the Brewers’ starting second baseman.

"He’ll get a lot of at-bats all over," La Russa said. "That’s what I’ve been talking to him about."

Lopez allows La Russa significantly more dexterity with his bench, an issue that had moved the manager to assert that an extra player had become a more pressing need than a set-up reliever who could also close.

Mozeliak conceded concern about Ryan’s Opening Day availability, though the club remains optimistic the shortstop’s return will be sooner than later.

"I do think that in the back of my mind it was something you had to consider, just in case," Mozeliak said. "When you started to look at what the potential trade options might be as you get into late March, it just wasn’t as attractive as trying to nail this down."

Read more…

February 21, 2010 - Cardinals hitting instructor Mark McGwire during Cardinals spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. (Chris Lee/P-D)

By Joe StraussST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/26/2010

JUPITER, Fla. — Mark McGwire stepped from the outdoor batting cages behind Roger Dean Stadium on Thursday afternoon. Waiting for him was another reminder of a controversy that colored Big Mac’s playing career and a rift that long ago obliterated one of his closest personal relationships.

McGwire called the March 1 release of a book by his younger brother, Jay, a "sad day" for him and especially his parents. The 196-page work, "Mark and Me: Mark McGwire and the Truth Behind Baseball’s Worst-Kept Secret," chronicles the Cardinals hitting coach’s embrace of performance-enhancing drugs through the eyes of the now-estranged sibling who introduced him to their benefits.

His voice catching at times, McGwire stated he has no desire to read the book or to reconnect with Jay.

CARDS BASICS
SCHEDULE: Cards in 2010 (includes spring training)
ROSTER: 2010 Cardinals (click player names for career stats)
STATS: 2009 postseason, regular season
INTERACT
CARD BEAT: News/notes in daily blog
BIRD LAND: Goold’s baseball blog
CARDS TALK: Fan forum
I-WITNESS: View/share your Cards photos
QUIZ: Cards postseason history
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MORE: P-D and News4 team up
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"He wrote a book," Mark McGwire said. "He’s trying to sell a book for some reason. I don’t know why. Maybe he needs money. I have not been in touch with him or seen him physically for eight-plus years. I don’t ever plan on seeing him again."

McGwire clearly considered the book an act of betrayal by Jay, a bodybuilder who in 1994 began instructing his older brother on how to cycle a mix of substances to revive his injury-threatened career.

"It’s a sad day for my family," McGwire said. "I don’t know how a family member could do something like that. The thing is, just move on. The way I look at it, I came forward on my own and spoke from my heart and spoke the truth. I’ll say it a thousand million more times if I have to — I’ve moved on from this and I hope everybody else can. It’s something that I have to live with for the rest of my life."

During an interview with the Post-Dispatch on Thursday, Jay McGwire referred to "a fork in the middle of the road Mark had to take. He could live with the injuries, hope the injuries go away and get back on the field. But the lure was overwhelming."

Said the younger McGwire: "I had an influence on his decision to do something that might change his body. I hope people understand his decision at the time. I thought it was the right decision. I believed that Mark thought it was the right decision. I also want people to know how hard he worked. It was part of the program. It’s like a glove. It had to fit perfectly. Yes, he’s guilty. He did what he did. He’s sorry about it. But he did work hard.

"He could have done this without steroids. He may not have gotten this big and strong but it could have worked without it."

McGwire last month admitted to steroid use for the majority of his playing career while insisting that performance-enhancing drugs were not responsible for his 583 career home runs or his ability to shatter Roger Maris’ single-season home run record while with the Cardinals in 1998.

Said Jay McGwire: "I know he did it mainly for health reasons. But he also should say it improved his strength and size. That’s obvious. I love my brother still. The fact I haven’t spoken to him doesn’t change that. I’m telling the story to help other people. I lived it. Mark lived it. He worked hard. He shortened his swing. He did exercises with his eyes. I hope people also understand he did steroids and everything c
2000
hanged."

In his book Jay McGwire writes of how he idolized his four older brothers growing up in Southern California. He and Mark lived together for a time when the "Bash Brother" was recovering from nagging injuries that derailed his career with the Oakland A’s. By then, Jay had immersed himself in bodybuilding and offered to educate a brother he called a "typical beginner" regarding performance-enhancing substances.

Asked if he planned to read the book, McGwire said, "There’s no way. No chance."

Told of his brother’s stance, Jay McGwire was not surprised: "He’s been hurt in relationships and by people taking advantage of him. He’s harder now. He’s put a wall around himself. That’s sad. I know he’s not going to read the book and he’ll think it’s horrible. I don’t think it’s horrible at all. Let people judge it."

Mark McGwire became visibly moved during Thursday’s exchange with media and remained upset when he retreated to the coaches’ room.

"You thought we had trust. Or I thought we had trust," McGwire said.

Jay McGwire said he long felt conflicted about his knowledge of Mark’s use.

While Mark insists that he first told his parents of his past usage on Jan. 11 before going public, Jay said he disclosed the fact to them one week before McGwire’s testimony before a congressional committee in March 2005. By then, the brothers had not spoken for three years.

"My folks knew for years," Jay McGwire said. "They’re quiet. They knew I was using. I told them I was a user. We never talked or discussed anything about Mark and drugs. Mark and I have always had an understanding that we’re not going to talk about it. But a week before he subpoenaed I told them the truth. I supplied Mark. They weren’t shocked."

Mark McGwire cited a desire to protect his family as partly responsible for his refusal to address his past on Capitol Hill.

"I think he was protecting his legacy and his name," Jay McGwire said. "All along I’ve been out there and told people I was a user. … I have no problem talking about steroids. He probably didn’t want me to come to court and tell them he was guilty. He wasn’t coached very well. Mark made this worse not speaking the truth and coming out."

Jay McGwire describes a desire to help others with his story as motivation for the book. His recounting of his brother’s steroid usage does not exonerate him.

"Everything changed when I went into a different life. I went into the steroid life. We have our own family. We’ve moved on and haven’t worked through our issues. That’s the sad part."

The book cites a 2002 incident in which Mark reprimanded Jay’s stepson as adding to a chain of events that led to the brothers’ estrangement. Jay’s wife subsequently refused to attend Mark’s wedding. Jay says he is now isolated from his family, except for one brother.

"I’d love to see a reconciliation," Jay McGwire said. "It’s like any other relationship: If you don’t have communication it’s going to be bad. In the short run, I don’t think things will improve. In the long run, maybe they can."

The younger brother cited numerous instances when Mark contributed to the fraternal freeze. Three years ago, Jay said another brother told him to expect a call from Mark that never came.

"Mark has a big heart. But he’s stubborn. He’s more stubborn than any brother out there," Jay McGwire said. "Sometimes he’s even on a different planet. He’s hard to reach. I don’t know if it’s the fame. Mark says other people have changed. I don’t agree with that. Mark is Mark. If you don’t reach out and try to have a relationship, if he writes you off, that’s what happens."

The younger brother explained that writing the book has been cathartic and was not done in spite.

"It’s about forgiveness and working things out," Jay McGwire said. "I don’t know if I’ll ever talk to Mark again. I have the ability to be a strong influence on kids who could learn what happened to me and Mark."

Read more…

Cardinals second baseman Skip Schumaker flips the ball to the shortstop covering second in a fielding drill during Cardinals spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. (Chris Lee/P-D)

BY DERRICK GOOLDST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/25/2010

JUPITER, Fla. — Handpicked to be one of the select Cardinals who spoke to the club Tuesday before spring training’s first official workout, Skip Schumaker called his teammate Adam Wainwright a "superstar" before yielding the floor to the starting pitcher.

Schumaker should have known better.

"I told everyone we have the best catcher in the game, the best first baseman in the game, the best starting pitcher in the game," Wainwright recalled, referencing All-Stars Yadier Molina, Albert Pujols and Chris Carpenter. "Then, with a playful grin, I said, ‘And the best second baseman in the game.’"

 CARDS BASICS

 SCHEDULE: Cards in 2010 (includes spring training)

 ROSTER: 2010 Cardinals (click player names for career stats)

 STATS: 2009 postseason, regular season

 INTERACT

 CARDINAL BEAT: Daily blog of news and notes

 BIRD LAND: Goold’s baseball blog

 CARDS TALK: Fan forum

 I-WITNESS: View and share your Cardinals photos

 QUIZ: Cards postseason history

 POST-DISPATCH COVERAGE

 STORIES: Last 14 days of Cards articles

 PHOTOS: Cardinals galleries

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 MERCHANDISE: Cardinals products in the Post-Dispatch store

Schumaker shot bac
2000
k: "Why’d you laugh when you say that?"

There was a time when even Schumaker, a career outfielder, thought playing second base was a joke. A year ago, his muscles aching and his body bruised from hours of fielding grounders, it seemed like a cruel joke. But sometime in the last year, second base stopped being a source of abuse, started being his vocation, and has since become a springboard to a more impactful role within the club.

As a second baseman, Schumaker has continued to be the team’s .300-batting leadoff hitter. He’s scored the security of a two-year contract, won the Darryl Kile Award for leadership as voted on by his peers and was recently described as "a core player" by manager Tony La Russa. The manager’s request that he speak to the team Tuesday revealed how Schumaker is now being fitted for an expanded leadership role.

"I’ll say this carefully: In all the particulars you look for, he is ideal," La Russa said. "In any way you choose to evaluate a player, a person, a teammate, I think that he’s ideal. He’s to the point where he’s a little too hard on himself, but that’s what keeps him going."

Added general manager John Mozeliak: "In all sincerity, I would do a lot to try and keep him in this organization. … Think back 12 months ago and we’re out here at 2:30 watching him take grounders, thinking this will not be easy. He didn’t let up and with that his performance went up."

Schumaker was back on the field for that extra work Wednesday. The 30-year-old infielder continues to take bonus grounders. But it’s far different from last spring when his day began with grounders, ended with grounders, and in between sometimes featured more grounders fired at him at 90 mph by a pitching machine.

During second base boot camp, Schumaker usually felt sore, was always exhausted. He lost about nine pounds.

"I train a lot in the offseason, but there’s just nothing that could have prepared me for morning and afternoon (grounders) and practice," Schumaker said. "We had to start from square one last year, which was literally catch the ball and learn how to throw it like a second baseman."

Schumaker struggled through early exhibition games, and after a rocky afternoon felt on the verge of retreating to the outfield. He weathered it and started at second in the second game of the regular season. He’d go on to start 124 games there, the first Cardinal to start more than a 100 at the fickle position since Mark Grudzielanek in 2005. Month by month, his defense improved.

According to The Fielding Bible’s plus-minus system — which awards a plus for a play outside a prescribed zone and a minus for a misplay inside it — Schumaker was a minus-14 overall. (Gold Glove winner Orlando Hudson was a plus-8; Chase Utley led the NL at plus-14.) Schumaker, however, was a plus second baseman in the second half. The Cardinals’ in-house defensive ratings echoed The Fielding Bible’s, showing that Schumaker went from a below-average second baseman to average or better.

The time spent learning last spring is now spent improving.

"I don’t want to go backward," Schumaker said. "The more games you play, the better instincts you get with the ball off the bat. It’s just like anything. The more pitches you see the better you feel in the box. The more groundballs you see in a game, the better you’re going to feel at second."

Schumaker wants to get better at going to his left, where he struggled last season. On double plays, especially. Cardinals infielders took their drills Wednesday at Roger Dean Stadium, and Schumaker worked, among other directions, to his left. He can compensate with arm strength, but his footwork is better, more comfortable, more natural, though not always instinctual.

His presence on the team is all of those things.

Once a fourth outfielder, soaking up whatever veterans would offer, Schumaker has evolved into a tone-setter. He went into last season unsure of his position and emerged with a spot on the team’s "core," with all that implies. He signed a two-year, $4.7 million deal earlier this month, and if he stays healthy he’ll be the first Cardinals second baseman to start more than 100 games in three consecutive seasons since Fernando Vina, from 2000-02.

No joke.

Laughs weren’t entirely Wainwright’s goal Tuesday. While Schumaker took Wainwright’s statement as a teasing overstatement, a chide between friends, Wainwright meant it more as acknowledgement of what Schumaker has done in 12 months. Schumaker will tell you he’s not the best in the game.

"But," Wainwright said, "that’s what I expect from him."

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February 18, 2010 - Cardinals manager Tony La Russa (left) talks with general manager John Mozeliak during Cardinals spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. (Chris Lee/P-D)

By Joe StraussST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/24/2010

JUPITER, Fla. — The future Hall of Fame manager with 2,552 lifetime wins rejected Cardinals ownership’s multiyear offer last October in favor of a one-year deal with no strings, or options, attached.

The general manager who pulled off two huge summer trades to fortify his team’s run to 91 wins and a division title is technically in the walk year of a three-year contract.

Perception may exist that the Cardinals are entering a fog of uncertainty regarding Tony La Russa’s and John Mozeliak’s futures with the franchise. Reality, according to those directly involved, is quite different.

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Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. insisted Tuesday morning that a lag in signing Mozeliak to an extension beyond his original three-year deal is nothing more than adherence to unwritten organizational policy.

"We’ll sit down and talk at some point in time," DeWitt said. "It could be this spring; it could be this summer; it could be later."

La Russa likewise reiterated his insistence on a one-year deal underscores a year-to-year philosophy that has served as a backdrop for previous multiyear arrangements.

"No matter what the contract says, it’s been year to year. Bill knows that," La Russa said after Tuesday’s workout. "This goes back to when I signed a two-year deal. Before that, it was exactly the same situation. (Former Cardinals general manager) Walt (Jocketty) understood that. Bill understood that."

The Houston Astros earlier this week announced an extension for general manager Ed Wade through 2012. The Cleveland Indians last week announced general manager Mark Shapiro’s promotion to team president effective next season. At that time Indians assistant general manager Mark Antonetti will ascend to general manager.

The Cardinals unsuccessfully attempted to hire Antonetti as successor to Jocketty in October 2007 but Antonetti withdrew from consideration after two days of negotiations. DeWitt then turned to Mozeliak, Jocketty’s assistant GM.

Mozeliak insists he is not concerned about his status. He and DeWitt enjoy a comfortable relationship that has grown stronger as Mozeliak has begun to close organizational fissures that hastened Jocketty’s ouster.

"I think he’s done an excellent job," DeWitt said. "He came into a situation where he followed a popular GM who had helped bring about a lot of success. He’s gotten the confidence of ownership and those who work for him."

The Cardinals reached the postseason last year for the first time since their 2006 world championship run. Mozeliak’s ability to add left fielder Matt Holliday and third baseman Mark DeRosa in summer trades proved pivotal.

Mozeliak then helped convince DeWitt to retain Holliday by guaranteeing the market’s most attractive free agent a seventh season in a franchise-record $120 million deal.

The Holliday contract, prologue to the opening of talks with three-time MVP first baseman Albert Pujols, was also the industry’s most lucrative this winter.

DeWitt’s management style is often described as corporate and professional more than warm and fuzzy. He consistently has dealt with contracts near or at the end of term.

"They always seem to go by quicker than I even think. And I don’t even think about it until someone mentions it or realize it’s approaching the end of the contract," DeWitt said. "Generally, we’ve waited until close to the expiration of (deals) not because there’s thought of any change but just because we’ve got enough other things to worry about."

Indeed, DeWitt did not finalize Jocketty’s follow-up deal to the 2004 World Series until January 2005. The lag did not play well with Jocketty. Mozeliak insists he is not concerned about timing.

"I don’t look at that," said Mozeliak, who joined the organization after the 1995 season. "Maybe it’s just a mindset from being part of the organization for as long as I have and knowing my relationship with Bill is so strong and one that I don’t have to validate by dollars and years."

Mozeliak insisted he does not anticipate hard negotiating whenever talk of an extension arrives.

"My responsibility is to make sure this business is running in a positive manner. The last thing I would want to do is to not lead by example," he said.

While the reality is business as usual for the Cardinals, perception may percolate this summer.

La Russa’s status is framed by the pending retirement of the Atlanta Braves’ Bobby Cox , the approaching end of Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella’s contract and Los Angeles Dodgers skipper Joe Torre’s decision to push on beyond this season.

La Russa, 65, has begun dropping hints about moving from the dugout to a front-office advisory role. He has remained vague about the timing of such a move but insists the Cardinals job is his last as manager. La Russa never has negotiated an extension during the season.

DeWitt likewise has pledged that La Russa can remain Cardinals manager for as long as he desires. La Russa enters his 15th season in the post with more wins (1,232) and more games managed (2,266) than any of his predecessors.

"Everything else takes care of itself," La Russa said when pressed about the perception his one-year deal may create. "That may sound like I’m dodging the question but that’s exactly how I feel. Let’s get to October and everything else takes care of itself. The rest are distractions. We don’t want distractions."

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BY JOE STRAUSSST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/23/2010

JUPITER, Fla. — Pitcher P.J. Walters arrived in camp Monday afternoon, 12 days after the premature birth of his first child. Walters said his daughter, Annabelle Faith, has shown improvement since being delivered by emergency Caesarian 14 weeks before her May due date.

"There’s not a whole lot I can do at this point," Walters said. "I’m still a phone call away."

Walters and his wife, Brittany, thought everything normal until he drove her to her scheduled Feb. 8 check-up. Brittany requested an ultrasound and doctors noticed a defect in the unborn child’s heart. Brittany was immediately hospitalized and the procedure performed two days later. Annabelle Faith was delivered at 14 ½ inches and 3.6 pounds and will remain in the hospital until her original due date.

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Walters said his daughter can’t be weighed now because she remains hooked to tubes.

The Cardinals offered Walters an open-ended leave of absence. However, he decided to report Monday after his daughter’s condition stabilized.

"I’m here to do my job," Walters said. "Like I’ve said before, the team has been very supportive. Any way they could’ve helped they would have, and they did. I’m very, very appreciative."

Walters had spent much of the last two weeks at the Mobile, Ala., hospital. During shift changes that forced him to leave his daughter’s room, Walters said he and his father would steal away to a nearby parking lot so he could throw an impromptu side session.

Walters, 25, spent most of last season at Class AAA Memphis where he tied for the team lead with eight wins. He also made his major-league debut, going without a decision while compiling a 9.56 ERA in eight appearances that included a start at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs. Walters is likely to return to Memphis but remains a long-shot candidate for the major-league rotation.

LUGO EYES PLAYING TIME

Cardinals utility infielder Julio Lugo said "honestly" he didn’t know about Brendan Ryan’s wrist surgery until told by a reporter Monday. He didn’t need an explanation on what it means for him.

"There’s always a competition," Lugo said. "Most of my career I was an everyday player. Coming here, they had the team set already. I just want to play and fit in and see what happens."

Acquired from Boston last season, Lugo joins Tyler Greene as the two Cardinals expected to get the playing time vacated by Ryan as he rehabs. Lugo hit .277 and slugged .432 in 51 games with the Cardinals, logging playing time mostly at second base. Entering spring, he sees the excess playing time as an opportunity, even if by April he’ll have to embrace a part-time role.

Lugo is in the final year of a four-year, $36 million deal signed with the Red Sox — who are picking up all but the league minimum of his 2010 salary. He was the starting shortstop for the Sox in the 2007 World Series, but he’s struggled since, both defensively and offensively.

Manager Tony La Russa insists that every position is a competition and who "plays best, plays most." But Lugo could be asked to field the extra time at shortstop this spring only to slide back into the bench role once Ryan returns.

"Probably the issue is he’s always going to be looking for playing time," La Russa said. "He certainly doesn’t fancy himself a utility player, and right now that’s kind of how he looks for us. We’ll see how he adjusts."

MILLER COMING TO CAMP

The Cardinals’ top prospect, pitcher Shelby Miller, and another minor-league pitcher will join major-league camp today to help increase the club’s depth. Miller and lefty Sam Freeman are being added to the workouts as early invitees, not officially non-roster invitees. Miller, 19, was drafted 19th overall last summer, and he made a late-season appearance at Class A Quad Cities.

The expectation is for Miller to return to Quad Cities. Freeman has moved swiftly since his 32nd-round selection in 2008. The lefty held lefthanded hitters to a .155 average last season and could see Memphis sometime in 2010.

"They were going to be able to be here early and we had a chance to get them into the (major-league) program," general manager John Mozeliak said. "It gives them an experience to get time with the major-league staff, which is always an advantage."

PRESIDENTIAL TREATMENT

Dennis Martinez, known as El Presidente when he pitched in the majors, will be the Cardinals’ Class AA pitching coach this year, and already he has his first assignment. Martinez worked individually Monday morning with reliever Francisco Samuel, who has struggled to tame his fastball. Martinez guided Samuel through a delivery the coach hopes the young fireballer can repeat.

"He’s fighting to throw the ball to the plate" when he lines up on the pitching rubber, Martinez said. "He’s fighting against throwing strikes."

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Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols throws during Cardinals spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. Pujols had bone chips removed from his right elbow in the off-season. (Chris Lee/P-D)

BY JOE STRAUSSST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/22/2010

JUPITER, FLA. — A refusal to give in to opposing pitchers, injury or his team’s occasional downturns has typified Albert Pujols’ nine-year career.

When Pujols walked into the Cardinals’ camp Sunday morning, he needed little time to re-establish that.

The three-time National League Most Valuable Player spent part of Sunday with the team’s new hitting coach, Mark McGwire, discussing philosophies on tee work. Albert then threw batting practice to his son, A.J., had his cleaned-out right elbow wrapped, then talked about the season ahead and corrected what he insists are misconceptions about his health.

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Pujols said surgery in October to remove six bone spurs and chips from around his right elbow reduced the chance that he will need ligament replacement surgery later in his career.

Calling his elbow "95 percent healed," Pujols cited surgeon Dr. James Andrews as the source for his optimism.

"It’s good news to hear Dr. Andrews tell me that probably I will never have to worry about having the Tommy John (surgery)," Pujols said.

The chip removal occurred one year after team medical supervisor George Paletta transposed the ulnar nerve in the same elbow. That procedure eliminated tingling and numbness in Pujols’ right hand and fingers.

The latest surgery was intended to restore Pujols’ full extension. Increased pain in the elbow last September contributed to a home run drought that lasted 89 at-bats and 24 games, including the postseason.

"Only God and myself know how I feel. It’s so much better," Pujols said. "You take six bone spurs almost as big as your pinkie fingernail, that’s pretty huge. Some of the pieces (were so big), I remember Dr. Andrews and Dr. Paletta saying, ‘I can’t believe you could swing with these things.’"

The Cardinals share Pujols’ hope he won’t have ligament replacement surgery for the balance of his career; however, a club source said Sunday the three-time MVP’s description may be a bit optimistic. Andrews offered his hope that the elbow ligament can be "managed" and offered better than 50-50 odds a replacement may be avoided. However, Pujols still suffers from a high-grade tear in the ligament.

The bone chips were a complication. At times last season Pujols could be seen manipulating his elbow for relief. During the regular season’s final 21 games, Pujols maintained his batting average without adding to his major league-leading 47 home runs.

Reminded of the statistic Sunday, Pujols answered defiantly.

"I think you (media) guys are being a little bit too greedy. I hit 47 home runs," Pujols said. "Was I expecting myself to be hot the whole time? No. I knew I was going to hit some bumps here and there. When I lose power, I’ll let you know when I hit ground balls to third base. When you have 15 extra-base hits and hit .350 (in September), I don’t really call that losing power. Just because you don’t drive one ball out of the ballpark everybody thinks you’re losing power. What happened to the 47 home runs I hit last year?"

Left fielder Matt Holliday walked into camp at the same time as Pujols. Holliday is month removed from signing a seven-year, $120 million deal.

Two years ago, Holliday and the Colorado Rockies squabbled over a contract extension. The impasse led to his trade November 2008 to the Oakland A’s. Holliday never was comfortable with the team, which flipped him to the Cardinals on July 23. His current deal includes no-trade protection.

"It’s definitely a nice feeling to know that we’re going to be here this year and going forward. It’s where I want to be," Holliday said.

With Pujols locked in as the club’s No. 3 hitter, Holliday its No. 4 and right fielder Ryan Ludwick projected at No. 5, manager Tony La Russa has a degree of stability in his lineup rarely seen since 2004.

"My favorite thing is to have a core five or six guys and you play around with the other two to keep your bench going," said La Russa, who led the majors in number of lineups used last season.

In a way, Pujols’ elbow complications make his ‘09 performance even more remarkable. He was a unanimous selection for his third MVP award and helped muscle the Cardinals to 91 wins and their first postseason berth since 2006.

"He’s been here for, what, nine years now? He’s had significant pain for more than half of them," said La Russa, offering an estimate Pujols later verified.

Pujols resumed hitting six weeks ago and said he has not had complications.

"I think the only limitation is myself," he said. "I think I need to make sure I don’t try to do too much. But I’m pretty much going to do everything. I’ve been doing it for almost six weeks. I’m really excited."

Pujols challenged the notion that last year’s elbow pain compromised his conditioning. However, Pujols later conceded he has modified his workout regimen to include less lifting, the activity that caused the elbow to flare.

Pujols hit on a rear field and in the outdoor cages behind Roger Dean Stadium. For almost 20 minutes, he discussed mechanics and philosophy with McGwire while performing tee drills.

"I’m looking forward to working with him," said Pujols, who said he discussed mechanical quirks McGwire noticed while reviewing Pujols’ September plate appearances.

Paletta accompanied Pujols to Birmingham, Ala., in October because of concern that the Cardinals first baseman would require ligament replacement. Pujols’ wife, Deidre, acknowledged at November’s MVP news conference that her husband was anxious about the possibility of ligament replacement and the ensuing down time.

"It wasn’t ever hurting that bad. I never said it was killing me or hurting me," Pujols said. "But why take the chance playing another season with bone spurs? I think we played it the right way."

Pujols remains less expressive about how he intends to handle negotiations regarding a contract extension. A month after insisting during the team’s Winter Warm-Up that he would not allow talks to drag into the season, the team’s second highest-paid player chose to distance himself from the topic.

"It’s been the talk the last three years, and it’s getting to the point where it’s irritating to talk about my contract," Pujols said. "That’s why we’ll let something happen, then we’ll have answers to all the questions you want. As of right now, I don’t want to talk about it because I’m so sick and tired of everyone talking and writing about my contract all the time.

"Whenever they’re ready, we’re ready. Whenever I’m ready, I’m ready. I can’t control that. … It’s why I have my agent. Things are going to work out. Don’t get me going there."

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ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/21/2010

JUPITER, Fla. — Closer Ryan Franklin is among the large number of avid outdoorsmen on the Cardinals roster and on Saturday expressed disappointment in Major League Baseball’s recent directive prohibiting certain weapons, including all firearms, from the clubhouse.

Clubs distributed the ban to players earlier this week.

"If you grew up around it, being in the outdoors and stuff, I was taught as a young kid how to respect firearms," Franklin said following Saturday’s workout. "First of all, you don’t get stupid with it. Always treat a gun like it’s loaded. That’s what I taught my son and daughters. There’s a place for them."

MLB’s edict is in apparent response to the arrest and conviction of New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress for carrying a loaded gun into a New York City nightclub and, more recently, the brandishing of guns by Washington Wizards teammates Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton during an apparent gambling dispute.

"There are a few guys that screwed it up for everybody," Franklin said. "If it wasn’t for the NFL guy a couple years ago bringing a weapon into a nightclub … you’ve just got to be smart."

Bow hunting has long been popular with a large percentage of the players. Former closer Jason Isringhausen set up a target at the stadium and first baseman Albert Pujols is among those who have embraced the hobby.

Players occasionally have brought unloaded long guns into the clubhouse. Franklin was born in rural Arkansas and now owns a 500-acre ranch in Oklahoma where he enjoys hunting and fishing.

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