Jupiter, Florida- Cardinal Manager Mike Matheny has to replace the offensive contributions of a future Hall of Famer and has to do it with a bits and pieces approach. One of these pieces the Cardinals are counting on is World Series MVP 3B David Freese.

Unfortunately, Freese has never played a full season, hasn't even reached 100 games in a season, due to arthritic feet and a surgically repaired ankle. Freese is doing all he can to "push the envelope" to get ready for the regular season, but Matheny wants to take a conservative approach. This brings prospect Matt Carpenter in to take reps  at third, and pressure off of Freese, as well as already working at 1b, 2b, and corner outfield. Carpenter hopes to head north with the big club as a utility player. 

Last year's back-up at third, Dangerous Dan Descalso, is in the mix for the starting 2b job, thought more likely to break camp as a utility, as the club has expressed it's desire to see Tyler Greene win the job this spring. That usually means the competition is over unless someone completely overwhelms while Greene completely fails and it would take an epic fail. 

Expectations should be tempered despite the whirlwind of projections flying around in the warm afterglow of the historic postseason performance Freese displayed. He won't hit 30 home runs, won't get enough at bats, but if Freese hits a slash line anywhere near .285/22/75 it would be more than enough for the Cards to contend again.

From the "Release the Hounds" file: The St. Louis Rams have "officially" announced the club is willing to trade the second pick in the upcoming NFL draft in April. This is the worst kept secret in the NFL since Jim Irsay's decision to hold onto his $28 million rather than give it to his aging, injured QB.

The Rams are terribly undermanned at several positions and the club's track record in recent drafts is abysmal despite picking high year after year. Team needs include, not necessarily in order, offensive line, wide receiver, defensive backs (multiple), defensive tackles, kick returners, running back. The club is happy with QB Scrambling Sam Bradford.

The NFL rumor mill indicates that the Rams have heard from the Browns, the Dolphins, the Redskins, and at least three teams outside the top ten in draft order. Those three would be considered longshots as the Rams would like to remain in position to bring in a guaranteed impact player.

The team is reported to be seeking a package similar to that received by the San Diego Chargers from the New York Giants in 2004 which including two first round picks, one third round pick, and one fifth rounder. The Chargers turned these into QB Phillip Rivers, LB Shawn Merriman, and K Nate Kaeding. RB Michael Turner was also selected in this draft, one that turned the Chargers fortunes around.

At the time of this draft, the Chargers were so bad that Eli Manning announced that he would not play for San Diego because they were so far from being competitive, finishing the 2003 season with a 4-12 record.

The Redskins are said to have already offered two first round picks, but one would have to think that nothing will be done at least until the Peyton Manning sweepstakes plays out. Washington is in the hunt for a QB and may be more willing to attach their future fortunes to Robert Griffin 111, but this pick is Cleveland's for the taking if they want as the Browns possess two first round picks in the 2012 draft.

This draft  must be about accumulated quality for the Rams in order for Fisher to turn things around. And that means extra high-quality picks.

Monday February 27- Jupiter Florida- Carlos Beltran has agreed to pay for the alleged rhinoplasty of NY Mets starting pitcher Jon Niese. Fitting considering Niese decided to under go surgery because Beltran allegedly said, "You could used a nose job. You do it and Ill pay for it." So he is.

Guess who arrived in Jupiter looking like a cross between a Super Trooper and Sgt. Slaughter. Sweet. But its fake. Berkman removed it during batting practice.

From the "That's not good news its GREAT news" File: Adam Wainwright on his vaunted curve after Tommy John surgery: " I am not afraid to throw it. If I was it would have been two weeks ago. Now I'm working on throwing it to both sides of the plate." Let's ask teammate Carlos Beltran about it's effectiveness. Ouch.

Surprise, AZ- Jason Kendall is in camp. Easy, there. He's in camp as a coach. Kendall acknowledges that he still has the desire to play but there is probably only a 5% chance he will ever play again.

From the "Well if it works for them" File: Texas Ranger pitching coach Mike Maddux advocates a using a 6-man rotation in camp. It gives each starter more opportunity to work on specific things as there is more time to fit in a full batting practice against minor leaguers. Maddux worked for KC Royal manager Ned Yost in Milwaukee before Yost was fired for guiding the Brewers to the playoffs for the first time since 1982. Since Yost could not steal Maddux away from the Rangers he will simply steal his ideas. Good move.

Friday February 24 2012- Any one expecting pointing fingers or a MacGrammar redux, "steroids... is bad", was sorely disappointed. Reading from a carefully prepared statement in a carefully protected environment, Ryan Braun answered some of the questions surrounding his positive test for excessive testosterone, 3 times the highest number tested by MLB.

Highlights include: "This is the biggest challenge of my life"

"I have tried to respect this process, despite the integrity of process being compromised"

" this is not about one player it's about all players"

"victim of process that completely broke down"

"100% guilty until proven innocent"

"For the last 6 years my workouts have not changed my strength has not changed my speed and arm strength have not changed"

"I have had 25 clean tests before this including 3 in that season"

"the system worked because I an innocent and I have been proven innocent"

In response to question "Players agreed to this process, MLB agreed to this process, it is sad and disappointing that MLB would announce that they strongly disagree with result"

In response to question about high testosterone level, " I have no idea, i can only verify what happened to the sample when it was with me"

Braun also spent some time on why he would have no motivation to use PED's (youth, long-term contract) and some time on the collector, the process, the actual length of time the sample was in collector's care (44 hours).

Friday February 24 2012- According to Bob Fescoe at 610 Sports in Kansas City the Kansas City Chiefs have been in contact with Colts QB Peyton Manning agent Tom Condon.

This has been confirmed by people close to the team and denied by everyone with an official standing. Manning is, at this time, still under contract with the Indianapolis Colts and he and his agent should not be talking with anyone per league rules.

If true, a Manning siging would make a great deal of sense for the Chiefs as they have copious amounts of cap room, and with all due respect to the heart, head, and guts of Matt Cassell, are a top tier QB away from top tier contention.

This speculative move would help explain the recent signing of CB Stanford Routt in what could only be described as a cost-cutting or bargain-basement replacement for free agent CB Brandon Carr. The Routt signing has nothing to do with on field performance only contract size and cap space unless the KC front office is telling the truth and will still attempt to re-sign Carr while using Routt as a nickle back and leverage chip. Routt replacing Arenas makes more sense than Routt replacing Carr.

Rampant speculation, but the Flowers, Routt, Carr corner triumvirate would result in a complete AFC West paradigm shift, pointing the Chiefs squarely at a deep playoff run. Stanford Routt replacing Brandon Carr points the team right back to 8-8.

In the shiny new no-contact league of the QB, with three different passers reaching the previously unattainable 5000 yd pinnacle, loading a defensive backfield would be proactive as well as innovative in the salary cap era. Screw this up and miss on Manning? Well, the world needs bartenders.

Thursday February 23 2012- Breaking News- MLB network is reporting that Ryan Braun has won his appeal according to an independent arbitrator. Braun, the reigning National League MVP was originally suspended 50 games under the rules of MLB's drug testing policy.

There are whispers, unconfirmed, that the suspension was overturned on a technicality involving time the sample was held before delivery to the laboratory performing the testing. If this true, MLB has a big problem with their system integrity, while

the Players Association as well as the Brewer front office, not to mention Tijuana pharmacies are celebrating.

*Updated- Braun's appeal victory is based on test procedure not test results. Evidently a testing facility employee, thinking that FED-EX was closed for the evening, took the sample home for the night and kept it in the refrigerator until morning. This helps explain the MLB position of embarrassment and "strongly disagreeing" with the independent arbitrator. Here's how it works on the three person panel: One union employee, one MLB rep, and one completely independent arbitrator, with each voting with their respective loyalties, as expected, its left to the independent. Like it or not, this is a fair result. Did Braun and his legal team use the system to beat the system? Sure. But not anymore than anyone else and that has nothing to do with money or position. Chain of evidence is first day of law school procedure. It is a right that anyone being judged should be able to expect.

Thursday February 23 2012-Jupiter Florida- Incoming St Louis Cardinal Mike Matheny wants more stolen bases from the defending World Series Champions. Last season, the Cardinals were awful on the bags both in volume, swiping only 57, and efficiency getting caught 39 times.

With Albert Pujols gone to Los Angeles the Cards can push the action without worrying about taking that big bat out of Albert's hands. The club will need to replace some of his production through the traditional National League means of stolen bases, hit-and-run-,advancing runners through any means necessary, but obviously it cant all be accounted for.

The Cards may have already found some help in this area as OF Carlos Beltran is fantastic on the bases, leading all current major leaguers with an 86% success rate (293 of 334 lifetime). Although there is a run replacement issue, Matheny won't force players without the means to overreach. "If you have some speed, show it. That's going to be the philosophy. Show it, learn to use it, develop it, take advantage of some of the special instructors we have around here."

Those special instructors? Only four Hall of Fame players Red Schoendienst, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, and a Hall of Fame Manager, Whitey Herzog, as well as Cardinal legend Willie McGee. No other club can bring in instruction like that.

McGee, new to camp this year, spent 13 years in the Birds-on-the-Bat and received 4 All-Star selections, was the 1985 NL MVP, won three Rawlings Gold Gloves and 2 batting championships as well as being a two-time National League Champion with the Birds.

This is the smartest of all possible moves for any manager in St. Louis, much less an inexperienced one replacing a sure Hall of Famer in Tony La Russa. Take advantage of the tremendous resources while tipping a cap to the most popular manager in Cardinal history, Whitey Herzog.

Herzog, who famously helmed the Runnin' Redbirds of the 80's, advocated using the assets available whether it be power or speed ,which is all he had, captured the hearts and minds of St Louis fans with an exciting brand of action based offense. Many fans had trouble embracing a more stagnant style, no matter the reason. Whitey is scheduled to appear this year after a 23-day Intensive Care hospital stay following a fall at home that resulted in bleeding on the brain.

Monumental Question OF the Day: What is the Over/Under line for the Texas Rangers acceptable expected return on invest with Yu Darvish? 14 or higher?

Wednesday, February 22, 2012- Tampa Bay Ray 3b Evan Longoria recently admitted that he was in fact dating Playmate Jaime Edmondson. No confirmation as to whether the "admitting" took place via the roof of Empire State Building, or national TV, nationally syndicated radio show, social media, message in a bottle. Look at that picture. I would admit that to my wife.

From the "Sun was in my eyes" file- Mizzou really got caught looking ahead to what may be there final match up with long time rival KU Tuesday night. Kansas State took them to the woodshed and embarrassed them on their own floor, maybe exposed them a little, all but insured there will be no 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. This may leave a taste so bad in Tiger mouths that they may not lose sight of the prize again this year. Even if they lose to KU in Lawrence, which is likely.

From the "run like hell" file- Former NBA enforcer Charles Oakley needs some attention. So he calls out NBA stars past and present. Oakley on Celtic Kevin Garnett: "He hollers and makes alot of noise but he's not tough. He's one of the weakest guys to ever play." and Kendrick Perkins "is just like him. I played for 18, 19 years and only got dunked on three times." On TNT analyst Charles Barkley: "He's a coward and a fraud. He was a good player for his size, but not a leader or role model. He wants to be funny on TNT. They're a bunch of clowns on that show." I have no idea what kind of shape Charles Oakley is in now, or what would motivate him to challenge men half his age to fight. Barkley I get. But in Oakley's prime? These three could walk together and better cross the street to get out of his way. They couldn't handle him with pistols in a phone booth. Probably still couldn't. Still , "coward" and "fraud" could be considered mean-spirited.

Tuesday February 21 2012- Portland Oregon- Greg Oden requires a third micro-fracture surgery on his left knee according to team spokespeople. Any one micro-fracture surgery is career threatening and this one should end an injury plagued and disappointing on-court NBA career, through no fault of Oden's other than his own body's betrayal.

Oden, who was chosen ahead of NBA superstar Kevin Durant, only played in 82 games since being drafted in 2007 and is the latest in a historical line of injury-riddled post players for the Trail Blazers.

Bill Walton won a championship in Portland but bad feet and a poor attitude ended his Portland run before he came back with the Celtics. Sam Bowie was drafted ahead of Michael Jordan. Not much else to say about "Sittin' Out Sammy". Now Oden.

Pittsburgh- From the "It's not me it's you" File: New Steeler Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley and QB Ben Roethlisberger have still not spoken. This drama is going on two weeks and has reached ridiculous levels. Is "Big Boy Benny" posturing? You bet. Is Haley acting foolishly? Of course. This mess is entirely on Haley, who, as the coach, should at least pretend he's more mature. Probably distracted by the team of agents survailling his every movement. I am not sure this is the best first move from a beleaguered coach with a questionable reputation when dealing with a two-time super bowl winning QB. Even Josh "I'm the Man!" McDaniels thinks it's crass.

St. Louis- From the "You talkin' to me?" File: In a social climate that has professional sports teams holding cities hostage for bigger better stadiums and bigger better tax incentives, the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC), the owners of the Edward Jones Dome where the Rams play their home games, have said enough.

Already under pressure from team owner Stan Kroenke to upgrade many of the Dome facilities, the CVC put their chins down and fists up after Kroenke announced that the Rams would play a "home" game in London in each of the next three seasons. Reminding Kroenke that the lease agreement between the team and the Dome requires the Rams to play all home games at the Dome, the CVC agreed to a one-year amendment to the lease that can be revisited in the future, that will allow the team to play in London. If Kroenke pays all contract employees (ticket takers, venders, etc.) their full hourly wage for the game. Additionally, the CVC will now have use of the Dome for two weekends a month during the football season. Kroenke agreed.

Don't be messin' with the CVC. They'll cut a dude.

Denver- From the "It had to happen" File: Brady Quinn, back-up QB for the Denver Broncos, let his feelings on the Tim Tebow situation fly in an interview with GQ magazine. The no. 2 qb when starter Kyle Orton got hurt, Quinn felt passed over when Tebow got the nod. "I think the fans had a lot to do with it," said Quinn, "chanting his name, there was a big calling for him. I didn't have any billboards. That would have been nice."

Quinn also offered an opinion on Tebow's success late in games. " When the defensive line has to chase the QB around for the entire game, it effects the pass rush. The defensive backs are chasing the receivers but when you throw only eight passes, they can start to feel lazy. Then it only takes one big play to score a touchdown."

Quinn must wonder what it would be like to have the complete support of the coaching staff and front office with no danger of being pulled even if you only complete eight passes. Would Quinn have the same success with the same opportunity? No one can say with certainty.

Except this. In 12 career starts, all with Cleveland, Quinn, who came in to the league from Notre Dame with a great deal of fanfare and hype, was 3-9 and completed only 52% of his passes. While journeyman Derek Anderson took the same basic on-field personnel to the play offs and himself to the Pro Bowl.

Quinn is now backtracking from his comments and confessing his true and undying love for all things Tebow. Sit down and shut up, Brady before someone actually puts you on the field and you make an even bigger fool of yourself.

Tuesday February 21 2012- Jupiter Florida-

Incoming manager Mike Matheny took no time to make a meaningful change to the Cardinal spring training schedule. He split the starting pitchers into four groups and attached one veteran starter each to a group of younger players. One such group consisted of 2005 Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Champion Chris Carpenter and 19-year-old Tyrell Jenkins as well as Lance Lynn and others. Jenkins had not even been born when Carpenter was drafted. "I've already asked him five or six questions." said Jenkins of being paired with Carpenter.

Another grouping has 20 -game -winner Adam Wainwright with top prospect Shelby Miller and Brandon Dickson. Wainwright, recovering form Tommy John ligament replacement surgery, has already been in Jupiter for a week.

"Put the young kids on a back field somewhere, way out by Egypt, and what do they learn from the vets?" Matheny commented on the change.

This is a shining example the leadership that General Manager John Mozeliak valued so highly, above experience when he hired Matheny to replace outgoing Cardinal legend Tony La Russa. An important resource like veteran pitchers needs to be used to help the youngsters see how spring training is supposed to be approached, how to prepare, keep your emotions and ego in check. How to work.

From the "Here we go again" File: Negotiations between the Cardinal front office and catcher Yadier Molina on a contract extension have ceased, at least for now. Molina did not preclude talks from continuing during the season, but did not want his contract to distract from his preparation for the season. When asked if he would give a home-town discount, Molina replied, " I don't know about that. I always say how much I like the town. I like the city, but at the same time I have to think about my family. This is business. If I get good money, I'll take it. If not I'll go away."

The worst fears of Cardinal fans coming to fruition right before their eyes. The minute Albert Pujols left for sandy beaches, the question on everyone's mind was, "Will Yadi go to LA with his big buddy?" Not surprisingly, its all about the finances. Players are loyal to a team as long as they are under contract. Teams are loyal to a player as long as they produce. Fans are loyal to a team as long as it wins. Fans are loyal to a player as long as he produces. Players are loyal to fans as long as there is a payday in it.

From the "What the hell just happened" File: NY Met starting pitcher Jon Niese spent his offseason getting surgery. Not so unusual except Niese had cosmetic rhinoplasty. That's right kids, Jon Niese got a nose job because Carlos Beltran teased him and told him he needed one. But, evidently Niese doesn't look much different. I dont care what anyone says, there is nothing wrong with a healthcare system that allows mid-twentysomethings with mountains of expendable cash to spend tens-of-thousands on elective surgery to look exactly the same. At least he can breathe better. And his nose still looks awful.after on left, before right, no wait before on left, after on right...nope, reverse that

Monday, February 20, 2012- This is a story you can't help but love for obvious reasons. The New York Yankees have asked CC Sabathia to lose weight despite the fact he has already lost 15lbs reducing himself to a peckish 290. The club has suggested that the 19 game winner may have been fatigued in the season's second half, but would not say exactly that Sabathia's weight was the cause, only suggested it may have been possible, and the club would like to eliminate each possibility.

Sabathia has always been a power pitcher whose size has often been pointed to as an ingredient of the formula that makes him as successful as he is. Since 2007 Sabathia has lost 0 games to injury and has not gotten any thinner.

This is not an unusual move for the Yankees as David Wells, of large frame fame, was hounded about his weight despite his success. Traditionally, this fits a pattern for the Yankee front office. Even though a player has been successful, if he was not raised in the Yankee system, then he must naturally do everything wrong and must now conform to the whims of a general manager that is under fire from every direction due to many poor non-baseball choices.

Historically, Mr. Steinbrenner filled the role of Yankee intimidator/cop/the Boss, showing up in Spring to announce his presence with authority, letting everyone associated with field product know that the players may be paid an irresponsible sum to play a kids game, but that doesn't mean you get to act like irresponsible kids.

GM Brian Cashman telling CC Sabathia to lose weight looks like a desperate man trying to deflect attention from himself and his poor choices.

More from Legend's Field and the "I love my Momma" File: The New York Yankees have signed utility player Bill Hall to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Put a pink bat in his hands and tell him its Mother's Day.

Legend's Field Redux: Raul Ibanez has agreed to a one year contract worth $1.1 million to be what's being termed a "platoon DH". With his splits, any AL team that had a need should have brought him in and invented a new term for can't hit lefties. No clarity as to why Matsui-san who can hit lefties and righties was not brought back. I'm sure Johnny Damon has a theory.

From the "what's in the water cooler" file: Two separate ESPN employees have been disciplined for using the term "***** in the armor" when referring to NY Knick and Asian-American Jeremy Lin in their various media outlets, one of them on air. The inevitable spin-doctoring here has everything from age to time of day to cough syrup or haircuts as possible excuses for the racial gaffs. they even trotted out "I didn't know." The company may look ridiculous but judgement must be reserved until proof of malice. After all, one of these crisis managers is married to an Asian woman. Not kidding.