B.J. Rains is the Sports Multimedia Producer and also serves as a general assignment Sports reporter for the Globe-Democrat. He previously worked for MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the St. Louis Cardinals. He also has covered University of Kansas athletics for the Associated Press, the Lawrence Journal-World and the University Daily Kansan.
Recent Stories
Cardinals Notebook: Julio Lugo hoping to return this weekend
Lohse battles allergies, John Smoltz joins TBS
JUPITER, Fla. - Infielder Julio Lugo said his strained groin is feeling better and he hopes to return to action this weekend. Lugo, who is hitting .286 (6-for-21) this spring, strained his groin on Saturday.
Garcia pitching himself into conversation as fifth starter
Left-hander has 12 strikeouts, one earned run in 8 2/3 innings this spring
JUPITER, Fla. – After being all but publicly eliminated from competition for the available fifth starter's spot in the Cardinals’ rotation a few weeks ago, left-hander Jaime Garcia is pitching his way back into the conversation.
Cardinals Notebook: La Russa upset by Pujols trade rumor
Rasmus and Craig stay hott, McClellan and Hill to both get starts
Manager Tony La Russa took offense to a report on ESPN.com which said the Phillies were having internal discussions about proposing a swap of first baseman Ryan Howard for Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.
Brad Penny seeing improvement as he continues work on sinker
Right-hander feeling "more comfortable" with new pitch
A year after Joel Pineiro used spring training to transform himself into a sinkerball pitcher, Brad Penny may be beginning to follow suit.
Hill, McClellan encounter windy day in battle for fifth spot
Both starters pleased after second chance at winning rotation spot
JUPITER, Fla. – After a rainout on Friday didn’t do the Cardinals any favors in their attempt to pick a fifth starter, a heavy swirling wind didn’t make things easier on Saturday.
Cardinals Notebook: Hitters excited about facing Strasburg
Ryan takes batting practice, Pujols returns to lineup
JUPITER, Fla. – The Cardinals will get a first-hand look at the hype surrounding Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg on Sunday when he pitches against them in Viera.
Cardinals Notebook: Cardinals and Red Sox rained out Friday
Hill to start 'B' game Saturday, McClellan to pitch in relief
JUPITER, Fla. – The Cardinals got an unscheduled day off on Friday when heavy rains forced the postponement of their scheduled afternoon game with the Boston Red Sox.
Cardinals Notebook: Ryan eyes March 20 for return to lineup
Shortstop hoping for quick return, manager not quite as optimistic
JUPITER, Fla. – Cardinals shortstop Brendan Ryan is hoping to return to the starting lineup a week from Saturday on March 20. Manager Tony La Russa doesn’t seem as optimistic.
Intrique surrounds bullpen, battle for fifth starter's spot heats up
Outcome of Hill-McClellan battle for fifth starter's spot could affect bullpen alignment
JUPITER, Fla. – Blake Hawksworth and Mitchell Boggs are expected to be key parts of manager Tony La Russa’s bullpen. Thankfully for both, La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan are not making their final decisions now.
Cardinals Notebook: Duncan excited to be getting fresh start
Pujols, Holliday out with injuries, Craig returns to hit homerun
JUPITER, Fla. – Outfielder Chris Duncan was back at Roger Dean Stadium on Wednesday, sharing a hug with his dad Dave and several of his former Cardinal teammates. Duncan wore a smile on his face as he choose to remember the positive times he had in St. Louis.
