Francisco Rodriguez was shuttled from stage to stage, podium to cellphone and finally almost dropped in Santa's lap ? actually Mike Pelfrey with a Santa suit befitting his 6-foot-7 frame. 

Stars from the past - in the form of Cardinals and players from other teams who have participated in Baseball All-Star Games - and stars from the present, including Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, the National League's Most Valuable Player for 2008 

The Orioles, desperate to add veteran starting pitchers, are making strong pushes for right-handers Braden Looper and Tim Redding, according to major-league sources. 

While the Cardinals waited for left-handed reliever Brian Fuentes to decide whether he wants to sign with the Los Angeles Angels or St. 

--The Cardinals caused a minor stir when, for the second year in succession, they didn't offer a contract to INF Aaron Miles, who hit . 

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 

Mark Teixeira is on the verge of a payday that would make even Manny jealous. 

Leagues have already begun bearing down in the global financial crisis. 

We laughed when Ken Williams said the ChiSox would stay young. 

Baseball American League 

Mark Teixeira is on the verge of a payday that would make even Manny jealous. 

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 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 

While the Cardinals waited for left-handed reliever Brian Fuentes to decide whether he wants to sign with the Los Angeles Angels or St. 

--The Cardinals caused a minor stir when, for the second year in succession, they didn't offer a contract to INF Aaron Miles, who hit .