--Manager Tony La Russa is high on the chances of CF Colby Rasmus to make the varsity this spring even though Rasmus hit just .251 in an injury-plagued season at Class AAA Memphis. "This guy has a chance to be an impact, everyday player," La Russa said. "He has a chance to be a very special package."

--The Cardinals lost RHP Luis Perdomo to San Francisco in the Rule 5 draft. Perdomo barely had joined the organization, having been acquired from Cleveland last summer for RHP Anthony Reyes.

--The Cardinals seem all right with waiting until later to pursue a starting pitcher, either by trade or free agency. They signed RHP Kyle Lohse, the staff leader with 15 wins, last March after spring training already was in high gear.

--OF Chris Duncan, whose season ended prematurely because of surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck, should be ready for the start of spring training, manager Tony La Russa said.

BY THE NUMBERS: .270 -- Average compiled by left-handed-hitting 2B Adam Kennedy against left-handed pitchers last season. He hadn't done nearly as well (.122) the previous season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "You don't want to do anything that takes away from him making his mark as soon as possible." -- Manager Tony La Russa, on the possibility of young CF Colby Rasmus making the 2009 club even if he wouldn't be a starter.