Cards Decline Option on Benes

If Andy Benes wants to remain a Cardinal, he’ll have to make less money. The team decided not to exercise the option on his contract yesterday. The Cardinals would have paid him $6-million had they decided to pick him up for 2003. But that doesn’t mean they’re not interested in having Benes around next season. They may talk to him about playing for less money. Benes had a 1.86 ERA after the All-Star break. Many thought Benes retired after April, but when the pitching staff ran into a rash of injuries he was invited back and Benes accepted. He proved to be one of the most reliable starters down the stretch.