Matt

Morris

Morris reportedly displayed a command that had been missing almost a month. He faces the Dodgers Thursday, so you’ll want him active.

The Cardinals might use the day to give Rick Ankiel a start.

That plan probably didn’t change after Morris allowed six runs in four innings to the Brewers, but the Cardinals’ first-round opponent (probably the Dodgers) has to be excited to the Cardinal starter with the worst ERA in Game 1.

It appears that there’s still a chance Morris will be ready to start during the first or second week of the season. However, that’s not a decision that will be made anytime soon.

Jocketty wouldn’t rule out a return as late as June for Morris, although he’s optimistic that the right-hander’s rehab will go better than that. Rick Ankiel will take over as the Cardinals’ fifth starter if Morris goes on the DL.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Albert Pujols, Edgar Renteria, Scott Rolen and Jason Isringhausen are the untouchable players on the roster. Morris is an extreme longshot to be traded. He’d almost certainly have to be attached to Tino Martinez in a deal. Edmonds’ contract makes him a stronger candidate to go. If the Yankees want to add a center fielder, he’d cost quite a bit less in terms of talent than Carlos Beltran would.

Morris will make $12.5 million in 2004 and become a free agent after next season. The Cardinals would like to lock him up for another two or three years and possibly save themselves $2 million-$3 million next year in the process. However, it doesn’t appear that a deal is close.

Morris is eligible for free agency for the first time after next season. He’d like a contract extension, but he’s not going to push for one.

The Cardinals have kept it quiet, but it appears that the problem has been bothering Morris for a while. Morris, who has been tossing in the outfield between starts instead of from a mound, remains scheduled to start Saturday against the Yankees. Despite his recent struggles, you’ll probably want to keep him active.

La Russa could elect to use Brett Tomko on Thursday, pushing Morris to Friday and Woody Williams to Saturday. If pushed back, Morris would miss the Brewers, but would face the Royals in Busch.