St. Louis, MO (My Sportsbook) - St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes filed for free agency Thursday after the club declined a $6 million option on his contract. The Cardinals want to sign Benes, but at a lower salary.

The 35-year-old Benes was contemplating retirement in April when his ERA ballooned to 10.80 ERA after three starts. However, he returned from a knee injury in July, and his 1.86 ERA after the All-Star break led the major leagues. He finished 5-4 in 2002 with a 2.78 ERA.

The move appears to be part of a restructuring process. The team also declined its 2003 option on pitcher Dave Veres, while right-handers Woody Williams and Rick White filed for free agency.

Veres made 71 appearances this year and went 5-8 with a 3.48 ERA and four saves. He hopes to return in 2003, but with an option valued at a reported $5.25 million, it made sense for the Cardinals to exercise the much smaller buyout instead.

Williams posted a 9-4 mark in 17 starts with a 2.53 ERA. However, the 36-year- old was sidelined three times in 2002 with injuries to the side/ribcage area. He earned more than $7 million this past season.

St. Louis signed White to a minor league deal after the Rockies let him go, and he quickly became a critical part of the team's bullpen. The 33-year-old went 3-1 with a sparkling 0.82 ERA in 20 appearances down the stretch, helping the Cardinals capture the NL Central Division title.

Meanwhile, starters Chuck Finley and Jamey Wright are also eligible for free agency and are expected to file soon.