Mark Grudzielanek, the only Royal eligible for free agency filed on the first day.  Three pitchers and three position players from the Cardinals have also filed, including starting pitcher Braden Looper.

Looper has made a good transition from a reliever to a starter in the last two years, but the Cardinals’ interest in bringing him back will be based on the health of Chris Carpenter.

Backup catcher Jason LaRue joined infielders Cesar Izturis and Felipe Lopez.  Manager Tony LaRussa is a big fan of Lopez and wants to bring him back for sure.

Relief pitchers Ron Villone and Russ Springer also filed.  Springer wants to come back and pitch one more year with the Cardinals and it appears that the team will look elsewhere for left handed relief.

As far as Grudzielanek, last season he was limited to 86 games because of injuries, but the Royals would like the 38 year old back.  In three years in KC, he’s hit  .300 and won a Gold Glove Award in 2006.