La Russa will spend the spring searching for a leadoff hitter

JUPITER, Fla. -- When the St. Louis Cardinals open the Grapefruit League season today, manager Tony La Russa will begin picking his lineup's top two hitters for the regular season.

La Russa said Wednesday he favors traditional line-drive hitters over power hitters who hit pop flies, but ability to get on base matters most.

"To me the first and second should be guys that more than anything else can get on base," La Russa said. "If you are on base, a lot of good things happen."

First baseman Albert Pujols is fixed in the lineup's third spot, having batted .359 last season with 43 home runs and 124 RBIs. Center fielder Jim Edmonds is a candidate for the fourth spot with a .275 batting average, 39 home runs, 89 RBIs.

Shortstop Edgar Renteria, who hit .330 with 13 home runs and 100 RBIs to go along with 34 stolen bases last year, will alternate between the second spot and one later in the lineup.

"One of our coaches suggested Edgar as a leadoff hitter but I wouldn't come close to agreeing with that," La Russa said. "He could do it because he has so much talent. But he would be a terrific second-place hitter."

Renteria is also a good candidate for later in the lineup because "he loves to drive in a run."

"What you have to look at is who is playing. If you have other guys who can drive in 100 runs, then Edgar can hit second."

Pitcher Woody Williams returned to camp Wednesday. He had been home to check on a sick child.