GatewayRedbirds.com

Scott Rolen is on the verge of escaping St. Louis manager Tony La Russa. Troy Glaus is on the verge of escaping the artificial turf in Toronto.

The Cardinals and Blue Jays are closing in on an exchange of their third basemen, major-league sources say, but both former All-Stars must pass physicals before a deal is completed.

Those physicals are no small issue since Rolen is coming off surgery on his right shoulder and Glaus surgery on his left foot.

While both players have agreed to waive their no-trade clauses, the differences in their contracts also might need to be resolved, most likely through a cash payment from the Cardinals to the Blue Jays.

Rolen, 32, is owed $33 million over the next three seasons. Glaus, 31, is guaranteed $24 million over the next two, including an $11.25 million player option for 2009.


The commissioner's office must approve the trade if it involves a cash exchange of more than $1 million.

"Obviously, there's one guy everybody wants, and unfortunately for them, we're going to get him."

Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded. And the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics: You are all stardust.

"Obviously, there's one guy everybody wants, and unfortunately for them, we're going to get him."

I don't get this.

Yeah, but how long is the list of guys who have lit up low A, have a good face, and a last name of Wong that never amounted to much? Here's a hint: It's not very long.

#scouting