Rain hampers Cards a second straight day

~ Redbirds had a shortened practice on Sunday.

JUPITER, Fla. -- For the second day in a row, the St. Louis Cardinals had to abbreviate their practice Sunday due to rainy weather, but hurlers Mark Mulder and Jason Isringhausen were able to throw early batting practice to Albert Pujols, Juan Encarnacion, John Rodriguez and Scott Spiezio.

Manager Tony LaRussa said Isringhausen continues to stay ahead of schedule.

"I think he's one of our pluses," LaRussa said of his closer. "He had an opportunity this winter, and he got in great shape."

Isringhausen tied for fifth in the National League with 39 saves in 43 opportunities.

Ricardo Rincon has failed to appear in camp, although the Cardinals keep preparing for the left-hander's arrival.

"Maybe tomorrow," LaRussa said of Rincon. "I thought he was arriving last night. We had a room for him."

The Cardinals are questioning Rincon's desire to play in the World Baseball Classic with Team Mexico considering he has missed 10 days of preparation.

"I am going to encourage Rincon not to pitch for the Mexican team," LaRussa said. "I don't think it makes a lot of sense. He's a pitcher, not a position player for one. Pitchers are more vulnerable in that tournament."