JUPITER, Fla. • The bulk of Mike Matheny's day at the office Saturday was spent with his staff, plotting out the first days of spring, getting a feel for the health and condition of various players and planning for the official workouts that start Sunday here at Roger Dean Stadium.

A couple dozen players participated in light, informal workouts this morning at the Cardinals' complex. Shortstop Ryan Jackson was among the position players who made their first appearance of spring, joining other minor-league players like Zack Cox, Matt Carpenter and Gordon Wittels who had already been here working out.

Two pitchers have yet to be seen at the complex on report day -- Marc Rzepczynski and righty Scott Linebrink.

While several of his veteran pitchers played catch, Matheny met with the media and touched on several topics. You can read in an early entry at C-Beat about the umbrella theme of camp's goal. Check out what the Cardinals are doing with Chris Carpenter in this entry. And watch as I warp a holiday classic for my own blogging goals.

Here are some other topics that Matheny touched on:

Regarding the number of players already in camp, Matheny suggested that "a lot of guys are here with things to prove."

Regarding catcher Yadier Molina's overall fitness entering camp, Matheny said, "He says he's ready to play 162. I told him that probably isn't going to happen."

Regarding Molina as the Gold Glove-winning catcher starts his final season before potentially reaching free agency, Matheny suggested that he expects Molina to handle it well because he watched Albert Pujols go through the same thing all of last season.

"It will be interesting to see how he handles it because he has no idea (what it will be like) at this point," Matheny added. "I can't believe the contract thing will weigh on him."

Regarding who will hit No. 3 in his lineup, Matheny said: "They haven't even reported yet." When the question was reset to who will hit third in the lineup now that Pujols has moved on, Matheny implied there isn't a given answer.

"I have overused that term flexibility because we have it," Matheny said. "There's going to be a little bit of toying around to see how is comfortable in what spot."

Regarding the addition of Linebrink, a veteran reliever and once one of the top setup righties in the majors, Matheny said there could be room for him in a crowded bullpen.

"The front office saw an opportunity to bring in a veteran presence," Matheny said. "It's a leadership position down there (and he can) win a position on the staff by experience. ... I believe in healthy competition."

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