Cora will get a look in spring training

--INF Alex Cora, a 36-year-old journeyman, signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals, and he was invited to spring training. Cora appeared in 91 games for Washington last year, hitting .224/.287/.276 with no homers and six RBI. He has appeared at all four infield positions in each of the past four seasons.

--The Cardinals' projected payroll, pending the signing of another pitcher or backup player, is projected at close to $114 million. That would be a high for the franchise, even without 1B Albert Pujols, who left for the Los Angeles Angels.

--GM John Mozeliak still is seeking pitching help. But the Cardinals didn't jump to sign RH relievers Chad Qualls and Brad Lidge, both of whom were signed by other clubs in the $1 million range.

--Bryan Anderson, a left-handed hitter, might get his best shot at the backup C job behind Yadier Molina. Anderson wasn't particularly a favorite of former manager Tony La Russa or pitching coach Dave Duncan, but new manager Mike Matheny has been high on Anderson's improvement behind the plate in the last year or so. Anderson will compete for the spot with Tony Cruz, who played well in stretches last season, and former Chicago Cubs backup Koyie Hill.

--RHP Kyle McClellan was signed for $2.5 million but might be dealt, considering that he isn't a starter anymore nor does he figure prominently as a late-innings reliever.

--OF Shane Robinson probably will get one last crack at a reserve role. Robinson has value because he is a right-handed hitter although he was nothing for seven in late-season duty last season.

BY THE NUMBERS
6 -- Number of stolen bases in 2011 by CF Jon Jay, ranking him second among returning Cardinals. INF Tyler Greene had 11 steals.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"It s never going to be the same. You're never going to have the same team as you had last year, as much as you want to. It's a profession with a lot of turnover." -- LF Matt Holliday.

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