St. Louis Cardinals Wiretap

Wilson Upset Over Berkman's Comments

Rangers left-hander C.J. Wilson has responded to Lance Berkman's comments about the team.

Berkman said he felt Texas would be an average team this season and that some of their pitchers overachieved in 2010.

"I think it's funny. He was contemplating retirement, so I'm not going to take anything too seriously. I'm not going to get offended by anything he says," Wilson said.

"If that's a representative idea of what people around the league think, that's better for us because they're going to do the same thing and they're going to not take us seriously. If we end up stomping through the playoffs again, everyone will be like, 'Wow, what a bummer.' "

Via MLB.com

St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Misc Rumor

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Berkman Believes Rangers Will Be 'Average'

Lance Berkman criticized the Rangers on a Houston radio station Thursday as he discussed why he opted to sign with the Cardinals this offseason.

Berkman said he felt the Rangers would have "an average team" in 2011 and had some pitchers that "pitched better than their talent level" in 2010.

"I felt like if they didn't re-sign Cliff Lee that they were going to be an average team and I feel that's probably what's going to end up happening," Berkman said.

"It's all about your pitching. I feel like last year was one of those special years where you kind of catch lightning in a bottle and they got hot and they had some guys that I felt like were pitching better than their talent level and consequently they had a great year."

Via Richard Durrett/ESPNDallas.com

St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Misc Rumor

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Pujols Would Veto Any Trade Proposal

The understanding in St. Louis is that Albert Pujols will veto any trade proposal, according to sources.

That means there will only be two outcomes of talks between Pujols and the Cardinals on a long-term contract extension: Either he signs an extension or will become a free agent this coming fall.

Pujols and the Cardinals are negotiating under the player's deadline of Feb. 19, the first day he arrives in training camp.

Via Busterl Olney/ESPN.com

St. Louis Cardinals, Trade Rumor

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Berkman Plans To Have 'Great Year'

Finally healthy, Lance Berkman plans to have a "great year" with the Cardinals.

He signed a one-year deal with St. Louis after posting the worst full-season of his career in 2010 with the Astros and Yankees.

"First base is harder on your knees than the outfield is," Berkman said.

"And the reason is because, at first base, there's a tremendous amount of direction change, there's stopping and starting. You're holding guys on. You're bouncing off. You're having to get back. ... The actual, hey, run from A to B and either catch the ball or don't get there, that's easy if your legs are in good shape."

He ended 2010 with a .248 batting average, .368 on-base percentage and a .436 slugging percentage.

Via MLB.com

St. Louis Cardinals, Misc Rumor

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Cardinals Sign Nick Punto

The Cardinals have signed veteran infielder Nick Punto to a one-year, $700,000 contract.

Punto provides insurance for oft-injured third baseman David Freese and will also provide back-up at shortstop and second base.

He made $4 million each of the last two seasons with the Twins.

Via St. Louis Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals, Signing

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