--The Cardinals, who haven't had an arbitration case since 1999, avoided one when they agreed with OF Rick Ankiel on a one-year, $2,825,000 contract. "I think there was a sense of relief on his part and on our part that we didn't need the hearing," general manager John Mozeliak said.
--RHP Chris Carpenter, who has missed most of the past two seasons, came through his first off-the-mound throwing session without incident. "I can't imagine him being much better than he is right now," pitching coach Dave Duncan said. --Dave Duncan, who will enter this season as Tony La Russa's pitching coach for the 25th consecutive season, sees no change in the manager's demeanor. "Tony is really a high-energy guy," Duncan said. "He's not the kind of guy who's comfortable doing nothing."
--Manager Tony La Russa would like some help, probably in the pitching area. "We're not a contender yet, but we're also not a second-division club with no chance," La Russa said.
--RHP Kyle McClellan, a valuable reliever last year, stands as the No. 6 starter this spring, pending the health of RHP Chris Carpenter. McClellan is conditioning himself to be a starter this spring.
BY THE NUMBERS: 11 -- Players who made their major league debuts with the Cardinals in 2008.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I believe analysis from a computer is useful but should be secondary to what you observe. That may not be the opinion of the people in charge." -- Manager Tony La Russa, talking about his relationship with the front office.
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