Cards Updates: Glaus, 2B

An AP spring training preview for the Cardinals includes some tidbits:

• 3B Troy Glaus is not expected to be ready for Opening Day. A return in May is more likely.
  
  
• After the release of 2B Adam Kennedy, outfielder Skip Schumaker has been mentioned as a leading candidate to take over the second sack position. But Schumaker hasn't played the infield in years. He is now, however, taking ground balls in Florida. But he doesn't sound too optimistic about the experiment: "There's a reason why I'm in the outfield, I think. Obviously, if Tony wants to throw me in that fire I’ll try it, but I don’t know how realistic that is."
  
  
• The team has considered using onetime ace Chris Carpenter in the bullpen as Carpenter attempts a comeback from another surgery. Kyle McClellan, a middle reliever as a rookie in 2008, could step into the rotation if Carpenter begins the season in relief.
  

Transactions Report - 2/9/09

Los Angeles Dodgers: Agreed to terms with pitchers Jeff Weaver, Shawn Estes, Ronald Belisario, Charlie Haeger and Tanyon Sturtze on minor league deals. Eric Milton wasn't available.

Oakland Athletics: Agreed to terms with pitcher Edgar Gonzalez on a minor-league contract.

St. Louis Cardinals: Released second baseman Adam Kennedy. Who needs a second baseman? Or at least a cheap bench player. The team picking up Kennedy - who hit .280 in 2008 - will owe him only $400,000. Kennedy was on the bench quite a bit down the stretch as the Cards turned to Felipe Lopez, but Lopez won't be back in St. Louis, either. So who will play second for the Cards? Skip Schumaker is already in the Cardinals' camp working at second base. Schumaker batted .302 in 540 ABs in 2008, with a .359 OBP. But he's never played anywhere but the outfield.

San Francisco Giants: Signed infielder Rich Aurilia to a minor-league contract. Batted .283, 10 HR, 52 RBI in 2008. Solid choice for multi-position, off-the-bench player - especially coming cheap.