Cardinals Feel Better About Chances

In defense of their National League Central title, the St. Louis Cardinals have weathered a 0-6 start and a wave of injuries that put eight players on the disabled list.

“I just think we’ll get better and better until the end,” Manager Tony La Russa said. “I think we’re going to have a very good year.”

Appearing at fan luncheons before the club left for spring training, La Russa guaranteed another title. The stumbling start might have left people wondering, but the Cardinals are returning to health.

Center fielder Ray Lankford came off the disabled list Tuesday, catcher Tom Pagnozzi and pitchers Rick Honeycutt and Andy Benes are due off by Monday, and pitcher Danny Jackson is not far behind.

“That’s a big infusion of talent,” said La Russa, knowing it couldn’t come at a better time. Beginning Friday, the Cardinals play 17 consecutive days.

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Dodger Manager Bill Russell grimaced when asked if he had begun to see some positive signs from third baseman Todd Zeile, who went into Wednesday’s game with a .153 average.

“Every day I hope to see some signs, but Todd is really pressing,” Russell said. “He’s taking strikes and swinging at balls, but we’ll continue to let him play through it. The numbers are going to be there.”

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Russell can’t escape questions about his offense.

On continuing conversation about the need for a left-handed power hitter in the middle of the order: “You play the cards you’re dealt,” he said. “We have a good enough lineup to win.”

On a seven-game trip that includes five in Florida and Atlanta, beginning Friday: “I can’t worry about who we’re playing. I have to worry about getting our offense going and it will. We match up with anybody.”