Cardinals release 2B Kennedy

Feb 9, 2009 - 6:51 PM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Unable to consummate a trade, the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday released second baseman Adam Kennedy, who spent the previous two seasons with the team.

A member of the Anaheim Angels' World Series-winning club in 2002, Kennedy played in 115 games for the Cardinals last season, batting .280 with two home runs and 36 RBI.

"We have exhausted all trade possibilities for Adam, and have decided that it was within both the club and the player's best interests to give Adam his unconditional release," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said.

The 32-year-old Kennedy signed a three-year, $10 million with the Cardinals on November 28, 2006. However, his playing time dwindled in the second half of last season and he expressed a desire to be traded after losing his starting job.

"As stated last year, it has been our intention - at Adam's request - to try and seek a trade," Mozeliak added. "As we move forward, we feel that it is best to try and fill the second base position with other players from within our organization."

Among the candidates in line to replace Kennedy at second base are Brendan Ryan, Brian Barden, Joe Thurston, Jarrett Hoffpauir and Tyler Greene along with outfielder Skip Schumaker.