Whispers: Cardinals buoyed by Pujols' recent surgery

And they also can expect Tony La Russa to return The Cardinals were hugely relieved when Albert Pujols (above) needed surgery only to remove bone chips and debris from his right elbow, not Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament. They believe his elbow was a big factor in his going 89 at-bats without a home run to end the season, even though Pujols wouldn't use it as an excuse. The Cardinals may not have as tumultuous of an offseason as it appeared they might, as free-agent manager Tony La Russa is leaning toward returning for his 15th season. The decision could be announced before the World Series. ...