"If he works like a starting pitcher and his schedule gets rearranged like a starting pitcher, then Kyle McClellan is finally a starting pitcher, even if his manager withholds his imprimatur. While manager Tony La Russa continues to be evasive about the Cardinals' No. 5 starter role, pitching coach Dave Duncan all but gave it away Saturday by adjusting the rotation to position McClellan for his first regular season appearance. "It makes more sense to reposition him now for the regular season rather than waiting until the end of camp," Duncan said. McClellan will go a week between today's start in Fort Myers, Fla., against the Boston Red Sox and his exhibition finale on March 27 against the New York Mets. McClellan falls in immediately behind Chris Carpenter. But since the Cardinals are off on the season's second day, Duncan could wait until April 6 to slot McClellan against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the season's sixth game. La Russa has not given his public blessing to McClellan for reasons he has not shared. Duncan and general manager John Mozeliak remain vocal backers. Indeed, a club source said McClellan has already been informed the role is his. McClellan enters today's outing against the Red Sox having allowed one run and six hits in 12 innings covering three starts. Mozeliak said Saturday the club isn't shopping for another starting pitcher. If the Cardinals make an eleventh-hour move this spring, indications are it probably will be for relief help. He also said Saturday that nothing is imminent "at this time." Roster Intrigue The Cardinals are at the 40-man limit on their major-league roster, creating a potential logjam should the club retain both non-roster third baseman Matt Carpenter and reliever Miguel Batista. Mozeliak acknowledged the issue Saturday but called it "manageable." The Cardinals must guarantee the 40-year-old Batista's contract before opening day or allow him to seek free agency. Carpenter meanwhile has emerged as the camp's feel-good story, hitting .354 even after Saturday's 0-for-four against the Florida Marlins. The club is expected to place Adam Wainwright on the 60-day disabled list before March 31, freeing one slot. However, keeping both Carpenter and Batista would necessitate outrighting or trading a player. Alternatives exist for each role: Bryan Augenstein is considered an option in long relief and Daniel Descalso could remain as an extra infielder. Claimed off waivers last October from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Augenstein makes his fifth relief appearance today. He has struck out seven and allowed two hits in seven scoreless innings spread over four outings. Good News, Bad News Kyle Lohse continued his turnaround spring with five strong innings Saturday. In his fourth exhibition outing Lohse allowed one run and seven hits before leaving with a 3-1 lead after facing two hitters in the sixth inning. Lohse carries a 1.50 ERA, 12 s Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/base...cle_f54ae219-dd89-5118-8953-711740833b8c.html
