catching up (again)

As strange as it was to see Lance Berkman in a New York Yankees uniform, it might be even odder to see the former Jackson Generals star in St. Louis Cardinals duds next season, back in the National League Central to play against the Houston Astros. It was a great sign for the Cardinals. When healthy, Berkman can handle left field; he’s more athletic than people think. And there’s no doubt he can hit. He’s closing in on 2,000 career knocks (1,675) and already has topped the 300-homer and 1,000-RBI milestones. Too bad the Atlanta Braves didn’t make a run at Berkman. … Reports are that Cleveland, Kansas City and Philadelphia are interested in free agent Jeff Francoeur, the former Mississippi Braves outfielder. Francoeur hit .249 with 13 homers last season for the Mets and Texas. He’s still got some value, especially as a right fielder. If you’ve ever watched him play the field, you know. … Atlanta made a good deal in getting veteran reliever Scott Linebrink from the Chicago White Sox for former M-Braves hurler Kyle Cofield. Cofield is a tall right-hander with a good arm, but he’s been plagued by wildness and nagging injuries. He wasn’t going to help the Braves anytime soon. Linebrink will right away. … Got a Mike Minor (2010 M-Braves ace who was rushed to Atlanta and faltered there) rookie card on Sunday. What are the chances it will be in high demand in 10 years? Probably about as long as the odds that former Mississippi State star Rafael Palmeiro will make the Hall of Fame. Well, maybe not that long. Palmeiro has pretty numbers but too much ugly baggage.