The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

(AP) -- Mark McGwire needs no reminders that the St.
Louis Cardinals' offense sputtered to the All-Star break in his
first season as batting coach.

 McGwire's advice: It's a six-month season. He points out that
the Cardinals are still one game behind the Reds for the NL Central
lead heading into a four-game series against the Dodgers starting
Thursday.

 Outfielder Ryan Ludwick could return this weekend from an injury
he jokingly referred to as a "never-ending calf strain," while
rookie third baseman David Freese (ankle) might return later this
month.

 The pitching staff has done a lot better handling adversity,
losing two starters for an extended period while leaning on
All-Stars Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter plus left-handed
rookie Jaime Garcia.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)