TOWER GROVE — Continuing the November sweeps of paperwork and protocol, St. Louis Cardinals lefthanded pitcher Mark Mulder was one of nine players to file for free agency Tuesday.

The Cardinals had notified Mulder a few weeks ago that they would not pick up his $11-million option for 2009 — hardly a surprise considering Mulder had more rehab assignments than victories during his past contract as he struggled to return from shoulder surgeries. Mulder has said he plans to pitch again but doesn’t expect to entertain offers from team until he is sure he can throw consistently off the mound. Mulder is working on his flexibility as more than a half dozen experts have said there is nothing structurally wrong with his shoulder.

Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty, the Cardinals’ GM who traded for and signed Mulder, told reporters that he would explore Mulder’s health and is interested in possibly signing the lefty.

In the past week, the Cardinals who have filed include Jason Isringhausen, Cesar Izturis, Felipe Lopez, Braden Looper, Russ Springer and Jason LaRue, who re-signed the next afternoon.

The eight other players who filed for free agency Tuesday included former Cardinals’ C Gary Bennett and RHP Mike Timlin and outfielders Luis Gonzalez and Ken Griffey Jr. A total of 158 players have filed so far according to a release from the players’ union. Players have until Nov. 13 to file.

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