Joe Mather Probable to Open at 3B for Cardinals

Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa once again has rummaged around in his hat full of ragtag retreads, untested prospects and walking-wounded to pull out a rabbit in the form of young power-hitting outfielder Joe "The Beaver" Mather.

Though formerly ranked well behind various other prospects -- most notably fellow outfielder Colby Rasmus -- Mather appears to have the inside track to open at third base in place of injured starter Troy Glaus, who likely will be sidelined for most of April and perhaps well into May or beyond.

It's very early to be making such judgments, but unconfirmed reports foresee Mather's conversion as a done deal unless he completely embarrasses himself at the hot corner before the end of camp.

Mather, 25, may be considered sort of a 6-foot-4, 200-pound "Troy Glaus light," in other words a younger, left-handed version of the big, swing-and-miss power hitting starter. In a limited trial cut short by a wrist injury late last year, Mather hit 8 homers in just 133 at-bats, having previously hit 17 homers in 211 at-bats for Triple-A Memphis. 

Mather's unexpected emergence casts a pall over the candidacies of third base hopefuls Brian Barden and Brendan Ryan, at least for the short term.

If Mather sticks, it will not be the first time that LaRussa has refused to let lack of imagination stand in the way of fielding a playoff contending team, having been wildly successful in pulling Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel off the scrapheap.

In other news coming out of Grapefruit League Saturday, former Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter retired six Nationals over two innings, throwing 13 strikes on 19 pitches, though he hit a batter. He is coming off the second of two elbow surgeries, plus a myriad of other injuries sustained since his 2006 career year, when he won 15 games.

To make matters more complicated, David Freese and Brett Wallace are projected to make an impact at third base by next year if not sooner.

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.
  

Cards' Glaus Questionable for Opening Day

Troy Glaus is out of action for three months. Good thing it's the offseason!

Glaus underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder this week; he'll be cleared to begin physical therapy next week. In 2008, Glaus batted .270 with 27 home runs and 99 RBI.

With a speedy recovery Glaus may be able to make the Opening Day start. But he is considered questionable and the Cardinals are looking at two farmhands to fill in during what may be Glaus' absence.

The candidates are 25-year-old David Freese and 22-year-old Brett Wallace. Freese, a native of St. Louis, batted .306 with 26 home runs and 91 RBI at Triple-A Memphis last season. Wallace, the Cards' No. 1 draft pick in 2008, batted .337 with eight homers and 36 RBI between Class A and Double-A in 2008.

While Wallace is the Cards' third baseman of the future and has the greater upside, Freese is almost certain to be the choice to fill in for Glaus - assuming Glaus needs filling in for, and assuming the Cards don't go the "proven veteran" route.

Troy Glaus Undergoes Eye Treatment

Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus has undergone a battery of skin tests and other examinations to evaluate the effectiveness of antihistamines and other remedies aimed at counteracting airborne allergens that have affected his vision due to common allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis while playing in St. Louis.

While the specific offender has not been isolated, Glaus is being tested for reactions to a number of pollens common to the Central Mississippi Valley, including grasses, weeds and trees. Mites, dust and dander at his home is also suspect.

Though causes of Glaus' watering eyes are likely present not only in St. Louis but elsewhere, a preponderance of poplars, cedars, ragweed or other irritants in the old Busch Stadium area -- combined with prevailing winds and other atmospheric conditions -- have prevented Glaus keeping his eyes clear only during home games, particularly day games.

Look for the treatments to be effective within two or three days, if not sooner, and for Glaus' return to the lineup without impediment.