Woody

Williams

Jason Marquis will get the nod Tuesday at Cincinnati to give Williams an extra day of rest. FYI.

Williams would be a free agent if the team declines his $8 million option for next season. The Cardinals have won 12 of his last 13 starts. For fantasy purposes, Williams has been adequate with nine wins, a 4.07 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts.

“I think that economics are as much a part of it as anything,” pitching coach Dave Duncan said. “Probably when you think about Woody, he’s another year older and he did have physical problems last year. You have to factor the risk.” The Cardinals hope to bring in two other starters to join Chris Carpenter, Jason Marquis and Jeff Suppan, but it looks like they’re beginning to resign themselves to the possibility of adding just one. Dan Haren is ready, so that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Williams is also viewed as a potential target for the Astros should Roger Clemens opt for retirement.

Signing both would probably prevent the team from making any offensive upgrades. It would also result in Darrell May beginning the year in the bullpen unless either Adam Eaton or Brian Lawrence is dealt. According to the Union-Tribune, both Williams and Wells have been offered $3.5 million in guaranteed salary, with a buyout that could raise the guarantee to $4 million, plus incentives on games pitched that could raise the total income to about $7 million.

Pitching coach Dave Duncan said he expects Williams to throw to hitters for the first time this morning and again on Friday, barring complications. He could pitch in a game sometime next week.

Williams isn’t completely up to speed following his shoulder problems, but he’s fine to use versus Milwaukee.

Williams, who hadn’t pitched more than two innings in an outing this spring, cruised through four innings before fading fast in the fifth. Although nothing has been finalized, he’s expected to start Wednesday against the Brewers.

Last year’s heavy workload is still taking a toll on Williams. The Cardinals are hopeful that this is nothing serious, but it could cause Williams to start the year on the DL. If so, Dan Haren would probably take his rotation spot.

There’s just no excuse for Williams walking six while facing such a mediocre lineup. Just 49 of his 94 pitches were strikes. It’s possible that Williams is hurting. Since his contract is so incentive laden, he has every reason to cover it up if he is injured.