St. 

The Cardinals exceeded the expectations of most by winning 86 games but they fell short in the second half when their depth was not sufficient to overcome the loss of OF Rick Ankiel (lower abdominal strain) and C Yadier Molina (bruised left thigh) and the 

--RHP Chris Carpenter, beset by elbow and shoulder problems the last two seasons, said he was on schedule for spring training. 

St. 

The A's, attempting to fortify their bullpen, appear to be closing in on a one-year contract with free-agent right-hander Russ Springer. 

Linked by their old-guard family ownerships, Arizona and Pittsburgh will meet in Super Bowl XLIII to determine the best team in the NFL this season. 

Free-agent infielder Craig Counsell has reached preliminary agreement with the Brewers on a one-year, $1 million contract, according to a major-league source. 

The bullpen market is bubbling. 

--3B Troy Glaus had arthroscopic right shoulder surgery Jan. 

The Cardinals exceeded the expectations of most by winning 86 games but they fell short in the second half when their depth was not sufficient to overcome the loss of OF Rick Ankiel (lower abdominal strain) and C Yadier Molina (bruised left thigh) and the 

The natives have been restless about the Cardinals' relative lack of activity in the trade and free agent markets, even though many forgot that the club signed right-hander Kyle Lohse to a four-year, $41 million deal the day after the season ended. 

Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus will be sidelined for about three months after arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. 

Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus will be sidelined for about three months after arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. 

Just like one of his starts, the market for lefty Oliver Perez is hard to figure. 

Just like one of his starts, the market for lefty Oliver Perez is hard to figure.