TOWER GROVE — Each year at about this time, Baseball America sends out a list of “tools” and its faithful correspondents to take a poll of each manager in the majors for the top three in each league at each tool.

The totals are used for the annual “Best Tools” issue of the magazine, one of my favorites and annually one that is well-read in the clubhouse.

The survey is simple. There are 25 tools listed and…

PITTSBURGH – Had some minutes to kill here in the Steel City — but not enough to finish writing about a visit to Engine House 25 and the Roberto Clemente Museum (that will, fittingly, come tomorrow) – and that was when I received an email from friend, fellow Picayune alum, and Cardinals’ fan, Ben Hochman.

He covers the NBA, so he’s got plenty of time to surf the Web. (Ha.)

His email included just a YouTube link, one…

TOWER GROVE — What with two dugout-clearing donnybrooks this weekend and the ever-agitating Chicago Cubs coming to town this weekend with first place possibly up for grabs, this little island of three games against Cincinnati seemed so quaint, so tranquil.

Then Walt Jocketty used a most curious word.

Vendetta.

“Trust me,” he said at the press conference announcing his hiring as general manager of the Reds. “Me and (manager Dusty Baker) are very motivated. We’re…

TOWER GROVE — The forensics on the hot corner deal between the Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays hints at the decisions the players — rather, one player — had to make along the way.

As discussed in today’s article, Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi first approached the Cardinals about the deal at the winter meetings. It was discussed, but didn’t get much tractions. The Cardinals were talking with Milwaukee and had engaged the Los…

TOWER GROVE — Newest Cardinal Troy Glaus and departing Gold Glover Scott Rolen passed physicals early Monday and shortly before 5 p.m. St. Louis time the commissioner’s office approved the perpetually reported swap of All-Star third basemen between the Cardinals and Toronto.

The Blue Jays will formally introduce Rolen on Tuesday.

The Cardinals, out of deference to Marty Hendin’s visitation, will hold a press conference Wednesday to introduce Glaus.

Glaus came to town as scheduled…

TOWER GROVE — Unless the Cardinals add a starting pitcher in the coming weeks, they will arrive at spring training with as much hope as guaranteed innings in their starting rotation.

And if the past season taught us anything, hope doesn’t make his scheduled starts.

This is the rotation as I write this blog:

1. Adam Wainwright, RHP
2. Matt Clement, RHP
3. Braden Looper, RHP
4. Joel Pineiro, RHP
5. Mark Mulder, LHP

Mulder is listed as the No. 5 starter because the Cardinals’…

TOWER GROVE — As he powered his way through the Pacific Coast League this season, Cardinals outfielder (yes, you can now call him that) Rick Ankiel left disbelief and wonder in his wake. Opposing managers spoke about how they had difficulty computing how the pitcher with the electric curve has become the hitter with the fearsome power.

Uncanny in his feats, he’s even inspired a comic book.

Not that he’s going to be around to…

FLUSHING MEADOWS — Rain continues to soak Shea Stadium, but these days the Cardinals don’t need a game to fill a blog with news. A bite-sized sampler of the information just harvested from the clubhouse on new release day at Midtown Comics:

– Yadier Molina has become a “baseball decision” and is medically cleared to play as expected. He will be activated Thursday and play.

– Scott Rolen woke up this morning and cancelled his…