This week, it looks like each team’s MLB website was assigned to write a Winter Meeting Checklist and a story about the team’s biggest need. Of course, since they are the official sites, they have to sugar-coat the situation a little. I think these headlines merit a little translation.

Cardinals : “Cardinals Looking for More Pitching”
Translation :  We’re looking for the next wash-up or second rate reliever for Dave Duncan to turn into a star.

Reds : “Reds go to Meetings looking for pitching”
Translation : Anything we can do to be more like the Cardinals.

Brewers : “Melvin looking at many options for Brewers”
Translation : Option 1: find enough decent relievers to restock bullpen. Option 2: drink more beer.

Astros : “Astros seeking closer, help at second”
Translation :  If Clemens won’t come out of retirement as a starting pitcher, maybe he’d like to try second base.

Cubs : “Cubs hope to upgrade offense”
Translation : We really think it’s enough to bring back Kerry Wood.

Pirates :  “Pirates to play it by ear at Winter Meetings”
Translation : We have no idea what we’re doing.

Eight months after police in Jupiter, Florida found him asleep at the wheel of his running SUV at a red light, stinking of alcohol, St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa pleaded guilty to driving under the influence on Wednesday.

According to the Associated Press,  La Russa will serve at least six months’ probation, pay a $678.50 fine, complete DUI school and any recommended treatment and complete 50 hours of community service. “I accept full responsibility for my conduct, and assure everyone that I have learned a very valuable lesson and that this will never occur again,” La Russa said in a statement released by his attorney, David Roth.

Good move by Tony, getting rid of Sammy Hagar. I hear he’s a lousy attorney.  🙄

In need of a backup to Yadier Molina after veteran Gary Bennett became a free agent after two years with the team, the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday signed free agent catcher Jason LaRue to a one-year contract reportedly worth $850,000.

The Cardinals also signed right-handed pitchers Dewon Brazelton and John Wasdin to minor league contracts. Brazelton, a former first-round draft choice and third overall pick by Tampa Bay, last played in the majors in 2006 when he was 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA in nine games for San Diego. He spent last season with Class-AAA Omaha in the Royals’ organization and Class-AA Altoona in the Pirates’ farm system. Wasdin, Oakland’s first-round pick in 1993, broke camp with the Pirates last year, but his season ended in late July because of a wrist injury. He has also pitched for the Rangers, A’s, Red Sox, Rockies, Orioles, and Blue Jays.

LaRue, a career .233 hitter with 88 homers and 316 RBIs, spent his first eight seasons with the Reds before being traded to the Royals prior to last season. In 66 games with K.C., LaRue hit .148 with four homers and 13 RBIs and threw out 33 percent of would-be base stealers, seventh among catchers with at least 50 starts. His new contract reportedly includes a $50,000 bonus for 40 starts, and $100,000 each for 50, 60 and 65 starts in addition to the $850,000 base salary.

The other team that was active Monday was the Brewers, who purchased the contracts of minor leaguers RHP Tim Dillard, IF Alcides Escobar, C Lou Palmisano, and RHP Luis Pena and added them to their 40-man roster.

Thou shalt not confuse this Luis Pena, born 1/10/83, with the Luis Pena born 1/21/81 who pitched in the Padres and White Sox organizations from 2002-2005. This Luis Pena has been in the Brewers’ farm system since 2001, appearing in 155 minor league games during that time span.

Cardinals LHP Mark Mulder met with team doctor George Paletta and trainer Barry Weinberg on Wednesday for a scheduled checkup on his shoulder, and GM John Mozeliak called the report on Mulder’s recovery “very positive.”

Mulder has been limited to 20 starts during the past two seasons because of rotator cuff problems, and is coming off his second shoulder surgery in 12½ months. The last time he got an out in the sixth inning was June 3, 2006. The Cardinals, who are in need of starting pitching, expect Mulder to be ready for spring training and a part of the opening-day rotation.

The St. Louis Cardinals named John Mozeliak as their 11th general manager Wednesday afternoon, filling a position that had been open since Oct. 3, when Walt Jocketty was relieved of his duties after almost 13 years as the Cardinal’s GM.

The move came as somewhat of a surprise to some observers, since Indians assistant GM Chris Antonetti had been considered the favorite to land the job. However, Antonetti reportedly removed himself from consideration recently. That apparently opened the door for Mozeliak, who had been the interim GM since Jocketty’s departure and has been with the Cardinals’ front office since 1995, having twice served as the team’s scouting director.