JUPITER, Fla. | Jim Edmonds will be taking it easy at the start of spring training following a winter that included shoulder and toe surgery and a continued recovery from post-concussion syndrome.

The St. Louis Cardinals' center fielder won't hit or run during the first couple of weeks of workouts, and will only throw lightly. He said Tuesday he'll use the time to work on his conditioning after an offseason spent shuttling between doctors.

"This is not a good situation to be in, but it's a situation I've been dealt," the 36-year-old said. "I just have to do the best I can, work a little bit harder than normal and try to get ready."

Edmonds played 110 games last season, his fewest since joining the Cardinals in 2000. He failed to win a Gold Glove for the first time since coming to St. Louis.

"I can't remember last year that well," Edmonds said. "I don't even care about last year. I want to try to get to the point this year where I can play and get back to my abilities and have some fun."

Edmonds' right shoulder bothered him most of the season. He had bone shaved from near the arthritic joint of the shoulder blade and collarbone. He throws and bats left-handed.

Edmonds was sidelined by post-concussion syndrome after running into the outfield wall at U.S. Cellular Field in late June. The toe required a daily numbing injection during the postseason, and afterward surgery to insert a pin and repair a torn ligament. The pin was removed 10 days ago.

Despite the injuries, Edmonds hit .250 with 10 RBIs during the run to the Cardinals' first World Series championship in 24 years.

He hopes a slow spring will lead to a healthy season.

"The ultimate goal always is opening day, it's not anytime during spring training," he said. "They think I'll be able to get some games in and go at a good pace and be ready.

"Right now I'm just waiting for two or three weeks for the shoulder and toe to really heal completely, and then try to move at a good pace, and then see how it responds."

Manager Tony La Russa plans to proceed without Edmonds during spring training games.

"He's not doing much out here that involves much impact," La Russa said. "When the green light comes then we'll work him in."

Another starting outfielder, right fielder Juan Encarnacion, is also sidelined following offseason wrist surgery.

"It's a golden opportunity for outfielders trying to make an impression," La Russa said.

That group includes Rick Ankiel, the pitcher-turned-outfielder who missed last season after injuring his knee in spring training. Others with a chance to impress include Colby Rasmus and Skip Schumaker.

At least Edmonds has no contract worries this season after signing a two-year, $19 million extension. He had been frustrated last season over the team's refusal to pick up his option.

"You try not to get too caught up in it, but it does get frustrating when you don't have a clue," Edmonds said.

Edmonds has eight Gold Gloves and is fourth on the Cardinals' career home run list. Of his 350 career home runs, 229 are with St. Louis. He expects this to be his last contract.

"I'm pretty sure this might be," he said. "I'm not saying 100 percent (but) I'm pretty close to saying this might be it."