Cardinals players shed pounds

Cards' training table fare gets healthier

JUPITER, Fla. -- Pitcher Kyle McClellan and third baseman David Freese shed about 15 pounds apiece in the offseason.

And they're not the only St. Louis Cardinals players looking a bit more svelte as a result this spring.

Even three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols looks more buff, although he said he reported to spring training at the same weight as always.

The media guide lists the 30-year-old Pujols as 6-3 and 230 pounds.

Manager Tony La Russa said the team has made an emphasis on better nutrition in recent seasons, reflecting healthier options at the training table. And La Russa said a number of players have trimmed body fat.

La Russa's learning to like egg white omelets and points out there aren't any boxes of doughnuts laying around.

The push extends to the media room cooler, stocked these days with bottled water and diet soda.

-- The Associated Press