Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has confirmed reports that outfielder Colby Rasmus requested a trade earlier this season. "I think he's thinking probably the grass is not greener other places and that this is a good situation, a great organization, teammates, everything. That's what I think. You can ask him," La Russa said. Rasmus declined to confirm or deny any trade request before the game and afterward offered a denial following a face-to-face discussion with La Russa. "I never did that," Rasmus told a crush of reporters at his locker. "I don't know where that's coming from. I just want to play baseball and have fun." La Russa confirmed the request again a few minutes later.