Monday, February 09, 2009

Cards release Adam Kennedy

Post Dispatch:
The Cardinals have abruptly reversed course, releasing second baseman Adam Kennedy and declaring an open competition for the position, the Post-Dispatch has learned.

The move, apparently made at the strong urging of manager Tony La Russa, represents a 180-degree shift from the position staked out by the club in December after failing to find a trade partner for the veteran second baseman.

The Cardinals assume Kennedy’s $4 million salary for the upcoming season; Kennedy becomes a free agent.

Monday’s move creates an open competition for the position, barring a trade or free agent signing. Brendan Ryan, Brian Barden, Tyler Greene, Joe Thurston, Jarrett Hoffpauir and Skip Schumaker are considered the front-runners should the club promote from within. Ryan leads the group with 377 major-league at-bats in parts of two seasons with the Cardinals.

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