Tony La Russa is going to try to limit Matt Morris' innings early in the season:

With the bullpen reeling last April and May from closer Jason Isringhausen's absence, Morris threw more than 100 pitches in 11 of his first 13 starts last season and at least 115 pitches in five of those 13. He worked at least eight innings in six of his first 11 outings, including a 125-pitch complete game May 4 in a 6-2 win over the Montreal Expos.

"It's a testament to how talented and competitive he is to have the kind of success he's enjoyed," La Russa said before Monday's workout. "Everybody will tell you: If you have two pitches, smart hitters will subtract one. He needs that third one. It's really important."

La Russa referred to a recent conversation with Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon about the opportunity spring training provides a proven pitcher to build his arsenal.

"If Matt is working on an eephus (pitch), throw it, throw it, throw it, throw it. If you struggle, so what," La Russa said. "You definitely need that third option. You can't tell that with somebody working to make the team. Matt's going to be there with Woody (Williams). Give a great effort but work on expanding your repertoire."

A 22-game winner in 2001 while relying on a fastball and devastating curveball, Morris says he has tinkered with a change-up since high school.

"The more pitches you have, the better off you are. That's obvious," said Morris, who will make his third consecutive Opening Day start when he faces the Milwaukee Brewers April 5.