The Cardinals aren’t sure how much time Brendan Ryan will miss as his right wrist heals, but they aren’t expected to sign Felipe Lopez or trade for a shortstop. Manager Tony La Russa loves Ryan, who won the job a year ago, and has Julio Lugo available if Ryan opens the year on the DL. …
The Nationals seem likely to use Chien-Ming Wang as trade bait if he bounces back. They signed him for only one season, meaning he will be an expensive five-plus arbitration case after 2010. …
While the Cubs search for a right-handed setup man, the A’s just signed Michael Wuertz to a two-year deal with an option for a third. The Cubs traded Wuertz to Oakland before 2009 for the since-released Richie Robnett and 24-year-old shortstop Justin Sellers, who probably will play in Triple A this year but is not listed among the team’s top 30 prospects by Baseball America. …
The Rays insist they will try to re-sign prospective free agents Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena. There’s no way they keep them both, however, and Crawford’s value appears beyond what the Rays will pay. …
Jake Fox was among the first position players in the A’s camp. The re-signing of Jack Cust leaves him in a fight to make the roster. …
Former Nationals closer Chad Cordero, attempting a comeback in Seattle, has the most career saves (128) in the Mariners’ camp. If he doesn’t earn a setup job in front of David Aardsma, he could be shopped elsewhere. …
Russell Branyan turned down the Rays before signing with the Indians. This guy has made some shaky decisions, beginning with pricing himself out of a return to the Mariners, with whom he revived his career a year ago. …
The Indians wanted Omar Vizquel back before he signed with the White Sox. His love for Chicago’s art community played a role in the decision. …
The Reds have been thrilled with the early work of Aroldis Chapman. He seemed ready to face hitters on the first day of camp and has shown more polish than critics said he would. He’s being shown the ropes by minor league coach Tony Fossas, a Havana native who lasted 12 years in the big leagues as a lefty specialist.
