Jeff

Suppan

Initial reports had the Cards offering Dan Haren, Rick Ankiel and Kiko Calero for the 41-year-old left-hander, but there’s been little indication of late that GM Walt Jocketty is serious about making a real run at Johnson. The Cardinals may just use their money to re-sign Edgar Renteria and then try to get Placido Polanco to play second base.

Trot Nixon’s injury is going to make it necessary for the team to carry an extra outfielder. As a result, Suppan, Todd Jones, Ramiro Mendoza and Brandon Lyon will lose out. For the final two bench spots, the Sox appear set to carry Adrian Brown and David McCarty over Andy Abad.

A two-year, $6 million contract could be on the table. Agent Jeff Borris informed the Tigers last night that Suppan had decided to go in a different direction, so either a deal is close or Suppan just really didn’t want to pitch in Detroit. Or both.

Suppan allowed seven runs and 10 hits before he was taken out. ''He’s OK. It was just a little pinch in his neck,’' manager Lloyd McClendon said. ''I don’t think it’s anything of any major concern. The important thing is he got his work in.’' Suppan is still expected to be Pittsburgh’s fourth starter.

The J.D. Drew deal led to speculation that the Cardinals would pursue Greg Maddux, but since they have three holes to fill on offense, it’s more likely that they’ll settle for a lesser starter like Suppan.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Suppan could go to Philadelphia for RHP Keith Bucktrot and SS Anderson Machado.

No word on what the Astros are offering, but Jason Lane or Chris Burke might be involved. The Phillies, Red Sox and Cardinals are also in the running for Suppan. The Phillies looked like the favorites a day ago, but they don’t seem to want to give up Ryan Madson and the Pirates turned down an offer Eric Valent and Keith Bucktrot for Suppan.

The Phillies will not part with Ryan Madson or Anderson Machado. If the Pirates want Keith Bucktrot they can take him or leave him to the satisfaction of Philadelphia GM Ed Wade. If the Pirates accept the offer, Brandon Duckworth would lose his starting gig and the Phillies would have five 10-game winners in their rotation.

Odd spot for Suppan -- if he can damage the Cardinals’ playoff hopes today, he could be assisting those same hopes next week.

X-rays were taken at the game, but he said the foot wasn’t that swollen or painful on Thursday. He shouldn’t miss any time.