J D Drew

The St. Louis Cardinals stepped to the firing line, selecting former Florida State outfielder J.D. Drew with the fifth pick in the first round of Tuesday's draft, knowing Drew and agent Scott Boras still are seeking the $11-million package the Philadelphia Phillies refused to pay. The spiraling bonuses being paid unproven amateurs rankles Cardinal first baseman Mark McGwire, among others.

Dodger scouting director Terry Reynolds and Angel counterpart Bob Fontaine Jr. continue to pile up frequent-flier mileage, searching for talent in preparation for the amateur draft June 2. Business as usual? "There's no other way to approach it," Reynolds said. "We're proceeding as if everything is normal and assuming it will remain normal."

The No. 2 pick in baseball's amateur draft last month, J.D. Drew, plans to sign a contract with the St. Paul Saints of the independent Northern League. Drew, an outfielder who has been unable to come to terms with the Philadelphia Phillies, worked out with the Saints before Thursday night's home game against Duluth-Superior but did not immediately sign a contract. "Marty Scott [the Saints' manager] and I agreed I should be ready to play before I sign," Drew told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.