A happy home for Rasmus?

It is big news when Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus buys a new house – simply because it is in St. Louis!

St. Louis Cardinals Colby Rasmus is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on September 19, 2010. St. Louis won the game 4-1. UPI/Bill Greenblatt Photo via Newscom

One of the major storylines of the 2010 St. Louis Cardinals season and carrying into the winter as well, has been the ongoing unhappiness of outfielder Colby Rasmus.

After his much-publicized trade request this past summer and despite reports of improving communications, rumors of other clubs making offers for him have popped up like mushrooms this off-season, even as the Cardinals state they have no plans to deal the talented youngster.

About two weeks ago, news of Rasmus selling his St. Louis-area residence was misinterpreted by some to be a clear signal that the player was preparing to be traded. The report also had Rasmus moving back home to Alabama. The reality was something else entirely. Instead, Colby was in the midst of finding a new residence, in the same vicinity, where a batting cage could be installed.

Here at The Cardinal Nation Blog, Colby’s father Tony, posting as “RCWarrior,” reported Friday evening that his son has located his new home in the St. Louis area, with room in the basement for a cage, and apparently has a deal in place to sell his old digs as well.

More importantly, the younger Rasmus is actively preparing for the 2011 season with the Cardinals. The centerfielder is currently on a hunting trip with a number of Cardinals reportedly including Mark McGwire and has time scheduled later this month to work on his swing under the tutelage of the soon-to-be second-year hitting coach.

Whether any of this will dull the trade rumors remains to be seen, but Cardinals fans wanting to see Rasmus stay put can at least take away some positives from the news.

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