Cards Fall to Reds

A settlement has been reached between the players and owners. The richer teams will have to share $258 million dollars with the poorer teams but not immediately. It will be phased in over the next four years. The agreement includes a provision that will prohibit the owners from contracting any teams through 2006, but players cannot challenge any contraction moves in 2007. The Cardinals will be in action against the cubs this afternoon at 2:20. Jamey Wright makes his Cardinal debut. The Cardinals lost to the Reds yesterday afternoon 7-0. Woody Williams made his return from the disabled list, allowing five runs in four innings. The Redbirds were held to seven hits on the day. The loss, combined Houston’s 5-0 win over San Diego cut St. Louis’s lead in the National League Central to two and a half games. The Cardinals face the Cubs this afternoon at 2:20 at Wrigley. St. Louis’ starting pitcher will be Jamey Wright, who they picked up from the Brewers on Thursday. In return, the Cardinals will send a minor league outfielder and a player to be named later. Wright is 5-13 this season. They’ve also sent starting pitcher Jason Simontacchi down to Triple-A Memphis.