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ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Suddenly there are a lot of openings in the St. Louis Cardinals' usually crowded outfield.

Jim Edmonds is gone and Juan Encarnacion may never play again.

That spells opportunity for veterans like Skip Schumaker and Ryan Ludwick.

The Cardinals also selected 25-year-old prospect Brian Barton in the Rule 5 draft from the Cleveland Indians.

Both Schumaker and Ludwick held backup spots last season and have paid their share of minor league dues.

Ludwick says the openings mean players like himself are finally getting their shot.

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