JUPITER, Fla. — Manager Tony La Russa could not officially confirm it for the two players in question, but he couldn’t ignore the obvious any longer.

La Russa approached both pitcher Kyle McClellan and outfielder Brian Barton to tell them they are going to make the major-league team and caution them that there is a reason he kept his hands in his pockets as they talked. See, there are things that can happen in the next four days. There are trades that can be made. Injuries can occur. He doesn’t want to tell them something Wednesday and then take it back on Saturday. So his hands were going to stay in his pocket.

But …

“I’m not going to shake your hand until Monday,” La Russa told each (official) rookie.

Barton and McClellan are headed north with the club and barring any unforeseen changes in the coming days, both will be on the opening day roster. Barton could be in the opening day lineup, against Colorado lefty Jeff Francis. La Russa confirmed their spots this morning in a conversation with the media, adding that really there is only one spot left on the 25-man roster to be won.

And there are only two candidates:

1. Kelvin Jimenez.
2. Anthony Reyes, somewhat of a surprise.

As detailed in Joe Strauss’ article this morning, the Cardinals are having an “internal discussion” on moving Reyes to a bullpen role. Dave Duncan has been resistant to that notion; La Russa and general manager John Mozeliak are open to the idea. La Russa hinted as much when he said this morning: “Dave and I don’t agree on everything. … It is still fluid.”

This blog entry can be considered an update to the WHAT TO WATCH newsletter story that just went out to people who have subscribed to the daily email from STLToday.com. Hugo Castellanos, for example, was told that he is not going to make the major-league club and that he will travel for depth this weekend.

Reyes pitched six shutout innings Tuesday and he ran his scoreless inning streak this spring to 11 innings. His performance can be parsed in many ways. Wind was blowing in. The opposition was lacking. He still does not have a put-away pitch. He’s getting away with too, too many pitches in the zone. His pitch count is always on the verge of skyrocketing. Some of the same traits Todd Wellemeyer has.

“He’s had a strong spring,” La Russa said. “It is legitimate to talk about him being an innings guy in the ‘pen (vs.) the benefits of having him take the ball every five days (in Memphis). What benefits him? And, what benefits us?”

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