We have our first set of real controversies for the 2006 season. These aren't Generation-X angst or recycled controversies either. These are genuine Corinthian leather-class controversies.

I was all ready to call Ricardo Rincon a slacker, based on the first report. But further reports suggest our government is making millionaires jump through hoops for unknown reasons. I do think it's strange that, according to that first link, Duncan hasn't spoken with Rincon since he signed. I would've figured that Duncan has a "welcome to the team" speech down pat, something like the manager's "hardest thing" speech in Bull Durham. I can hear Dan & Al blaming somebody's slow start on this or on participation in the WBC and maybe they'd even be right (it always comes down to cash, but I'd guess the WBC is doomed). It's also a bit strange that Deivi Cruz's phone is disconnected.

The second controversy is buried in another article from Matthew Leach. While discussing the need for a right-handed reliever who can strike batters out and won't wilt against left-handed hitters, Leach had this to say:

Fortunately, the two holes could be filled with one man. While the Cardinals are trying to put together a bullpen, they're also endeavoring to choose a fifth starter. Someone from that derby might well be pushed to the bullpen.

"We've talked about that (strikeouts)," said Duncan. "It would be nice to have somebody like that. And we may have somebody here that fits that role.

"You look at the competition between the three starting guys, and one of them will make it and two will not. So somebody in the bullpen could end up being one of those guys, and that could be a strikeout guy."

Sounds like Anthony Reyes is headed to the bullpen. Actually it sounds like Leach and Duncan had a [nudge-nudge]"speaking hypothetically"[wink-wink] conversation. I understand the need for depth and I understand the injury concerns with Reyes, but it's kinda sickening to see the organization's consensus top prospect, a pitcher with nothing left to prove in the minors, lose a battle to a pitcher coming off seasons with 5.30 and 6.21 ERAs. Oh, and that veteran pitcher punched a judge. Sometimes it seems the Cardinals make personnel decisions more to keep Dave Duncan busy than to win ballgames.

The third emerging issue is who'll be playing in left. Thus spoke LaRussa:

I just think a guy like So is going to play one of the three spots (in most games). Because of this sport, you pick the complete player. John could be hitting .500 and if he doesn't defend and doesn't run the bases, somebody hitting .300 who does both of those things is going to get the playing time.

So Taguchi is described as the incumbent. As for Rodriguez hitting .500 and sitting, I can't help but wonder if Taguchi would be getting be any kind of consideration if he had hit 238 / 330/ 420 last year instead of 288 / 322 / 412. What managers spout to the media in February ranks up there with Paris Hilton's views on energy policy in terms of irrelevance, but LaRussa has a history of rooting for players. I hope this is all just a motivational ploy to push Larry Bigbie.

Of course all this dire news is dwarved by the positive reports on Scott Rolen. Rolen hates all the questions surrounding his health, but there's only one way to shut everyone up.