DOWNTOWN — The first wave of St. Louis Cardinals players have had their moments behind the media room podium here Sunday in Day 2 of the Winter Warm-up, and the Twitter feed (dgoold) has been the quickest way to get out the comments and the news (such as it is). But many are worth repeating here, like a shotgun look at what’s been said and who’s saying it here:

Snippets from the feed — the Warm-up in 140-character morsels:

Rick Ankiel, done with rehab and on with normal spring training prep, said he “wants to stay healthy for an entire season.” 12 minutes ago from web

Ankiel adds that he comes to spring with the same intent this year: Starting in center field. That position, that role is important to him. 11 minutes ago from web

Reliever Brad Thompson, on returning to the bullpen: “I’d feel like a veteran if I knew I have a job every year.” 8 minutes ago from web

Rarely mentioned as a starting candidate, Thompson will come to spring training stretched to start. “I’m sure I’ll be asked to do both.” 7 minutes ago from web

Skip Schumaker continued to work with Mark McGwire this winter; did so with Matt Holliday also around. Made for some quirky conversation. 6 minutes ago from web

Schumaker: “I thought I was gone. I thought it was a done deal. I really thought we were Rockies. First time I’ve been through that.” 5 minutes ago from web

Ryan Franklin is open to closing or mentoring the next closer, whatever is asked from the seasoned vet of the group. 5 minutes ago from web

“The way I look at it is I’ve gotten some experience in the ninth,” Franklin said. “If they want me to do it, I’ll feel more comfortable.” 3 minutes ago from web

Thompson expects a deal to be done in the near future for 2009. This is his first taste of arbitration. 3 minutes ago from web

And then there is Schumaker and groundballs: He was a shortstop in college until moving to OF. Last time he took groundballs was in workout. 1 minute ago from web

… The pre-draft workout, as mentioned in the blog, at Busch Stadium. And maybe a few times in emergency situations in the minors. less than a minute ago from web

Anybody else think it’s interesting that the Cubs are collecting Cards’ cult heroes? Edmonds one year, Miles & Taguchi the next. Who’s next? about 2 hours ago from web

OK, so that last one was me, wondering out loud. As far as Schumaker and the urban-legend of his prowess in the infield, he added: “I’ve played outfield before. There’s a reason why I’m in the outfield.”

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