``There were a couple of things that factored into this,'' Walker said. ``I got to stay in the National League. Playing DH would be a big thing for me not being in the field all the time. I am familiar with National League pitching and the National League ballparks. Spring training for them is 20 minutes from my home in Florida. I have never heard so many people say so many good things about an organization as I have about the Cardinals.''
St. Louis began the night with a 9 1/2 -game lead in the NL Central. Reggie Sanders, who has been starting in right field, probably will move to left to make room for Walker.
``What an unbelievable acquisition,'' Cardinals pitcher Matt Morris said.
