Cards Pre-Game Notes - 9/1

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*** I've been told in the clubhouse that everyone feels Chris Duncan was unfairly treated by fans and the media.  His head was and is totally messed up and that affected his play.  He definitely was not healthy...but the fact he had to hear about all of his failures more than most people should really wore on him as the year went on.  From what I was told, this is the general feeling inside the Cardinals clubhouse.

*** Troy Glaus is the only September 1st call-up for now.  He pretty much had to come up anyway because his rehab stint was coming to an end anyway.  Tony La Russa says Glaus wants to be able to play everyday, but that is very unrealistic.  He'll be available to pinch hit and get a little bit of playing time, but it's just a matter of how much and how well he can throw. 

*** A lefty reliever (Royce Ring, maybe?) will probably come up in the next few days according to GM John Mozeliak.  But the rest (including a 3rd catcher) most likely will not be in St. Louis until Memphis's season is complete.  The AAA squad is contending for the playoffs and they want to leave as many players there as possible for them.

*** Ryan Franklin and Trever Miller were given extensions by the club.  Franklin is through 2011 guaranteed while Miller's is for 2010 and a vesting option for 2011.  The option is mostly health-based.  He has to pitch 45 games but there are other minor things written into it for that deal to be picked up the second year.  Basically, he's got to stay healthy.  Interesting note...Franklin says this very well might be his final contract that he signs before he retires.  Miller says he is going to pitch as long as he is allowed to.  Teams are going to have to pull him away and drag him to the street and say "thanks but your services are no longer required" and then he'll go home.  He says John Smoltz is his hero pitching past his 40s.

*** Kyle Lohse threw a simulated game today...got to 40 pitches.  Reports I received says he had excellent stuff but his command and timing were off.  Lohse told me that's very normal when you're just trying to come off the DL.  He says he's off tomorrow before throwing another light session Thursday.  He fully expects to be activated on the 6th when he's eligible to come off.  IMPORTANT NOTE: GM John Mozeliak says it is a very good possibility that Lohse will start off in the bullpen when he's activated and then eventually move to the rotation.  It's all about when they need that spot in the rotation giving all the off days.