Pitchers make strides

Trembley and Cardinals manager Tony La Russa did some brainstorming yesterday morning and came up with a potential solution to the Orioles' overcrowded pitching situation and the Cardinals' shortage of arms in camp. They toyed with the idea of the Orioles lending some pitchers to the Cardinals on a spot basis to alleviate both problems.

It was an interesting and apparently unprecedented idea, but it was quickly quashed by Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak.

"That's not going to happen," he said, calling the difference between him and his manager on the subject "a disconnect" and explaining that the team would add a couple of extra minor league pitchers to camp soon.

The idea wasn't presented to Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, who said he would have been "open" to discussing it but considered it unusual.

Around the horn

Center fielder Adam Jones and pitcher Radhames Liz have agreed to terms on their 2009 contracts, not that there was any real doubt about their contract status. ... Trembley said reliever Kam Mickolio (groin strain) has been cleared for full activities.

Baltimore Sun reporter Jeff Zrebiec contributed to this article.