Originally published Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 12:00 AM

NL | Edmonds, La Russa still trade insults as ex-Cub gets ovation

St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa wasn't exactly overjoyed to see his former star center fielder back in town wearing a Chicago...

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Jim Edmonds tips his cap to cheering fans in St. Louis.

St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa wasn't exactly overjoyed to see his former star center fielder back in town wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform.

Miffed by Jim Edmonds' comments that he was happy to be with the Cubs and tired of talking about his past, La Russa said Friday he'd ignore the four-time All-Star in his first visit as an opposing player.

"I wouldn't clap or boo or anything," La Russa said before the game. "He wants to put his Cardinal days behind him, so I think you've got to respect that, and just ignore him."

Edmonds said La Russa, his manager for the best eight seasons of his career, would do so at his peril. The two have always had a good relationship.

"If he ignores me, I'm going to punch him in the mouth," Edmonds joked. "I think he's trying to stir it up. He gets a little excited about this rivalry."

Virtually everyone in a sellout crowd at Busch Stadium stood and gave Edmonds a prolonged ovation before his first at-bat leading off the second. Edmonds stepped out of the box and doffed his helmet before Braden Looper struck him out on a 2-2 pitch.

After the game, La Russa had a terse "no comment."

Atlanta: OF Jeff Francoeur, hitting only .234, was sent to Class AA Mississippi and told he would be recalled within three weeks. Braves general manager Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox said the move is not a demotion.

Colorado: Slugger Todd Helton went on the disabled list for just the third time in his career. "It's definitely a relief to get a chance to feel better and hopefully be productive when I get back," said Helton, whose strained lower back landed him on the 15-day DL.

Pittsburgh: The Pirates designated pitcher Bryan Bullington for assignment, a move that may end his tenure with the organization.

San Diego: C Michael Barrett will require surgery for facial fractures and may be out six weeks. He was placed on the 15-day DL.

Seattle Times news services

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