A Hodge-Podge Kinda Day

Many small tidbits of news today, nothing major going down...no starters released today.

On that, we'll start with an interesting piece of news about Kennedy. Apparently the Cards considered releasing him a few weeks back as part of a plan to fill his hole with Miles. But that decision would have made sense, thus it never happened. So, instead of releasing Kennedy and signing Miles, we let them both go? Sounds like an interesting strategy.

Here's what Kennedy had to say about the "club's" [see: La Russa's] decision:

"I really don't have a take. I don't know what to say, I obviously did something to expletive Tony off, whatever it is. Whatever. Mo said Tony would rather not have me there. That's about it."

On to Jupiter. A couple of notes on early arrivals. Four players arrived on Monday: Carpenter, Freese, Ankiel and Duncan. These four being early makes me happy. Looks like Freese really wants that spot at third and I would love nothing more than to see him play great and earn it. Which brings up the question, What would La Russa do if Glaus' replacement (whoever it may be) has 15 home runs and is batting .350 when Glaus comes back in May or June? Who knows...

Anyway, I'm also glad to see Ankiel and Duncan down there eager to get to work. It was reported that Duncan has actually been in Jupiter for a couple of weeks now. Duncan has a lot to prove to try and earn a spot back in that sardine-packed outfield.

But the name I'm most excited to hear is Carp. He was playing long toss on Monday and already has his bullpen session scheduled for Wednesday. We'll have to wait and see how he feels after these workouts. Cross your fingers Cardinal nation.

Also, division rival Astros' shortstop Miguel Tejada is facing charges of lying to investigators on the steroids issue. Maximum sentence is one year.

Finally, the Post Dispatch asked several a writes if they think La Russa will be back next year. The general consensus seems to be as long as he can keep a good relationship with the young players and help them grow, and turn that growth into a successful season, then he will stay. Seems easier said than done, I'm sure.