Todd Wellemeyer Cardinals pitcher Todd Wellemeyer and outfielder Chris Duncan avoided arbitration by agreeing to one year deals for the 2009 season.  Wellemeyer figures to be a key to the Cardinals’ rotation.

Wellemeyer will make $4.05 this season after going 13-9 in 32 starts, posting a 3.71 ERA. Wellemeyer struck out 134 and walked 62 walks in 191 2/3 innings.

The Cards are hoping for a bounce back year from Duncan.  He played in only 76 games and had 222 at-bats.  He was down in the minors, then ended his season in July with a neck injury. Duncan underwent surgery to replace a disc in his neck with a titanium replica.

Outfielders Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick are awaiting their arbitration hearings.  Both players have been rumored in trade deals.  Ludwick rumors surfaced early in the off-season for Matt Holliday and Ankiel is still a hot topic of trade talks.