Cards face free-agent questions with rotation, third base

Sporting News staff reports The St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes the Cardinals' rotation finished with the second-most wins (69) in the majors, was the only unit to throw over 1,000 innings and posted a solid 3.66 ERA this season. However, there are questions for next season. Righthanders Joel Pineiro, a 15-game winner, John Smoltz and Todd Wellemeyer will become free agents this offseason. Kyle Lohse, injured for much of 2009 after winning 15 games in 2008, is under contract through 2012. According to the newspaper, there is a good chance Smoltz will re-sign with St. Louis. General manager John Mozeliak told the Post-Dispatch that the fifth spot likely will be filled from within the organization. Candidates include Jaime Garcia, Mitchell Boggs and P.J. Walters. The team also will have a decision to make at third base. After having successful surgery Monday to repair a completely torn tendon sheath in his left wrist, Mark DeRosa is ... (link)