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Villone Takes On Rolen's Number

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The Associated Press

Published: February 21, 2008

Updated: 02/20/2008 11:44 pm

JUPITER - The St. Louis Cardinals wasted no time handing out Scott Rolen's old number.

Newly signed reliever Ron Villone arrived at spring training camp Wednesday and was given jersey No. 27, previously worn by the third baseman dealt to Toronto in the offseason.

Rolen spent 5 1/2 seasons in St. Louis and was a key part of the team that won the 2004 pennant and the 2006 World Series. But a feud with Manager Tony La Russa led to his trade.

"I can throw a lot of innings, whether it's being a spot starter or to one hitter. Whatever the team needs, that's what I'm here to do," Villone said.

Villone was among the players mentioned in the Mitchell Report. He allegedly purchased three kits of human growth hormone from former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski at $3,200 each.

Villone referred to "inaccuracies" in the report without being specific.

"We all make mistakes sometimes but it's not about saying who did this and pointing fingers. I'm playing this game. I love this game. It's more important to me than what has happened."

Villone, 38, spent the last two seasons with the Yankees. The left-hander got a minor- league deal on Tuesday, and the Cardinals will be his 11th team in 13 seasons if he makes the club.

CLEMENS CANCELS: Roger Clemens has pulled out of an ESPN sports personality weekend at Disney Hollywood Studios, saying his participation could be a distraction.

CUBS: Ryan Dempster is hoping to go from a closer who recorded 85 saves in 99 chances over the last three seasons into the Cubs rotation as a starter.

Dempster, 30, underwent elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2003 with Cincinnati and after being released was signed by the Cubs in January 2004.

PHILLIES: Ryan Howard spent about four hours Wednesday listening to the team explain why he doesn't deserve $10 million this season. His agent, Casey Close, argued that Howard is worth every penny.

An arbitration panel will issue a ruling today. If Howard loses, he'll get $7 million, still a hefty raise from the $900,000 he made last year.

PIRATES: Free-agent pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim, 29, agreed to terms on a major-league contract. The deal is pending a physical. No further details were available.

RED SOX: Coco Crisp, who lost his center field job to rookie Jacoby Ellsbury in the postseason, said he'd probably talk to the team about trading him if it appears he won't get his starting job back.

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