Cardinals Open Contract Talks to Retain Outfielder Jordan

The St. Louis Cardinals weren’t kidding when they said signing J.D. Drew wouldn’t keep them from trying to hang on to Brian Jordan.

General Manager Walt Jocketty and Jordan’s St. Louis-based agent, Jim Turner, had preliminary contract talks Thursday and Friday. Turner said Friday he expects a proposal from the Cardinals next week.

“Personally, I don’t think the J.D. Drew situation really has to affect one particular player,” Turner said. “The bottom line is it gives the club flexibility.”

Jordan entered the night one point off the NL batting lead with a .336 average, and had 15 homers and 57 RBIs batting cleanup behind Mark McGwire. He is putting together his best year and in the final year of his contract after missing most of last season because of back and wrist injuries.

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The Giants activated second baseman Jeff Kent off the disabled list. He was put on the disabled list June 10 because of a sprained right knee. To make room for Kent, the Giants put infielder Rich Aurilia on the DL because of a strained left groin.