Edmonds' spring focuses on return to health

~ The outfielder will notdo much the first few weeksof spring training as he heals from offseason surgeries.

JUPITER, Fla. -- Coming off a winter in which he had surgery to his shoulder and toe and continued to recover from post-concussion syndrome, Jim Edmonds will be taking it easy at the start of spring training.

In fact, the St. Louis Cardinals center fielder won't hit or run during the first couple of weeks of workouts, and will throw only lightly. He said he'll use the time to work on his conditioning after an offseason spent going from doctor to doctor.

"This is not a good situation to be in, but it's a situation I've been dealt," Edmonds, 36, said Tuesday. "I just have to do the best I can, work a little bit harder than normal and try to get ready."

Edmonds played 110 games last season, his fewest since joining the Cardinals in 2000. He failed to win a Gold Glove for the first time since coming to St. Louis.

"I can't remember last year that well," Edmonds said. "I don't even care about last year. I want to try to get to the point this year where I can play and get back to my abilities and have some fun."

Edmonds' shoulder was problematic most of the season. He had bone shaved from near the arthritic joint of his right shoulder blade and collarbone. He was sidelined by post-concussion syndrome after banging his head on the U.S. Cellular Field warning track. The toe required a daily numbing injection during the postseason before surgery to repair a torn ligament. He had a pin inserted that was removed 10 days ago.

Despite the assortment of injuries, Edmonds hit .250 during the postseason run to the Cardinals' first championship in 24 years, and had 10 RBIs.

He hopes a slow spring will lead to a healthy season.

"The ultimate goal always is opening day, it's not anytime during spring training," he said. "They think I'll be able to get some games in and go at a good pace and be ready.

"Right now I'm just waiting for two or three weeks for the shoulder and toe to really heal completely and then try to move at a good pace, and then see how it responds."

Manager Tony La Russa has made plans to proceed without Edmonds during spring training games.

"He's not doing much out here that involves much impact," La Russa said. "When the green light comes, then we'll work him in."

Another starting outfielder, right fielder Juan Encarnacion, is also sidelined early following offseason wrist surgery.

"It's a golden opportunity for outfielders trying to make an impression," La Russa said.

That group includes Rick Ankiel, the pitcher-turned-outfielder who missed all of last season after injuring his knee in spring training. Others with a chance to impress include Colby Rasmus and Skip Schumaker.

Edmonds at least has no contract worries this season after signing a two-year, $19 million extension. He had been frustrated over the team's refusal to pick up his option last season.

"You try not to get too caught up in it, but it does get frustrating when you don't have a clue," Edmonds said.

Edmonds has eight Gold Gloves and is fourth on the Cardinals' all-time home run list. Of his 350 career home runs, 229 are with St. Louis. He expects this to be his last contract.

"I'm pretty sure this might be," he said. "I'm not saying 100 percent [but] I'm pretty close to saying this might be it."