GRAND CENTER — On the first or day of spring training, with his full squad warming up in the background, manager Tony La Russa insisted that this year’s team would be a better defensive group. It took a few March weeks of fumbles and foibles, but …

So far, so good.

Todd Wellemeyer just escaped the third inning with consecutive defensive gems by his infielders. Troy Glaus gambled with a throw to second base to nab the lead runner on Wandy Rodriguez’s sacrifice attempt, and Cesar Izturis spun at second base to complete the inning-changing double play. And then: Michael Bourn lashes a grounder that Aaron Miles smothered with a diving stop and throw to catch the speedy Bourn.

As much as Glaus’ defensive ability will be (unfairly) compared to the guy who had the position before him, the hulking third baseman has shown where his defensive agility is the past couple days. It may not be side-to-side, but it is front of him.

Glaus has been adept at running in on the ball and barehanding the ball or making plays like a few minutes ago. He charged, was there to easily scoop the ball and had the rapid-fire arm strength to beat J.R. Towles to second base with the throw.

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With input from Pat Parris and Max Leinwand, here’s a quick ranking of the defensive plays that stand out so far this season:

1. Adam Kennedy’s dive to snare the ball on the SS-side of the bag.

2. Skip Schumaker’s diving catch on the opening day that wasn’t.

3. Rick Ankiel’s coming forward and diving to steal a hit from Willy Taveras.

4. Glaus’ double play just now.

5. Yadier Molina’s pickoff Sunday.

6. Ankiel’s going away from the plate to catch Lastings Milledge’s tailing liner.

7. Aaron Miles diving play to end that third inning tonight.

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