After re-signing RHP Kyle Lohse the day after the 2008 season, re-upping C Jason LaRue not long after that and trading for SS Khalil Greene, the Cardinals did little this offseason other than changing their trio of left-handed relievers. 

After re-signing RHP Kyle Lohse the day after the 2008 season, re-upping C Jason LaRue not long after that and trading for SS Khalil Greene, the Cardinals did little this offseason other than changing their trio of left-handed relievers. 

--CF Colby Rasmus, the top prospect in the system, might hit ninth for the Cardinals, behind the pitcher -- "if he's in the starting lineup," manager Tony La Russa said. 

--CF Colby Rasmus, the top prospect in the system, might hit ninth for the Cardinals, behind the pitcher -- "if he's in the starting lineup," manager Tony La Russa said. 

--CF Colby Rasmus, the top prospect in the system, might hit ninth for the Cardinals, behind the pitcher -- "if he's in the starting lineup," manager Tony La Russa said. 

With Chris Carpenter, the longtime staff ace, proceeding smoothly as he tries to overcome his arm issues of the last two years, manager Tony La Russa has established his five-man rotation for spring training games: right-handers Carpenter, Adam Wainwright 

With Chris Carpenter, the longtime staff ace, proceeding smoothly as he tries to overcome his arm issues of the last two years, manager Tony La Russa has established his five-man rotation for spring training games: right-handers Carpenter, Adam Wainwright 

With Chris Carpenter, the longtime staff ace, proceeding smoothly as he tries to overcome his arm issues of the last two years, manager Tony La Russa has established his five-man rotation for spring training games: right-handers Carpenter, Adam Wainwright 

After re-signing RHP Kyle Lohse the day after the 2008 season, re-upping C Jason LaRue not long after that and trading for SS Khalil Greene, the Cardinals did little this offseason other than changing their trio of left-handed relievers. 

After re-signing RHP Kyle Lohse the day after the 2008 season, re-upping C Jason LaRue not long after that and trading for SS Khalil Greene, the Cardinals did little this offseason other than changing their trio of left-handed relievers. 

--1B Albert Pujols will not play in the World Baseball Classic due to insurance issues after October elbow surgery, even though he says he has fully recovered. 

--1B Albert Pujols will not play in the World Baseball Classic due to insurance issues after October elbow surgery, even though he says he has fully recovered. 

Manager Tony La Russa didn't get the impact bat, veteran closer or starting pitching help he desired in the offseason, but he appeared to win at least one battle. 

Manager Tony La Russa didn't get the impact bat, veteran closer or starting pitching help he desired in the offseason, but he appeared to win at least one battle. 

TAMPA BAY Rays