Contract negotiator Kevin Demoff will likely talk with Bartell's agent at the scouting combine next week in Indianapolis.

--Work is set to begin on improvement to the Edward Jones Dome that will be completed in time for the 2009 season.

--The team's offseason program will begin March 16. As a new coach, Steve Spagnuolo can hold two mandatory veteran minicamps. No dates have been set, but one will be before the draft and one after.

Said Bruce Sommer, director of America's Center, "We're pleased to move forward with these improvements to the Edward Jones Dome because our goal is to provide our fans with the best possible environment to experience St. Louis Rams football. We expect these upgrades to significantly enhance the fan experience at the Edward Jones Dome."

"The Rams are excited about the on field product we are assembling for the 2009 season as well the refurbishment of the Edward Jones Dome," said Bob Wallace, executive vice president/general counsel. "We believe these collective enhancements will deliver a dramatically different entertainment experience to our valued fans."

Most noticeable will be new scoreboards and video boards. In addition, the construction of new clubs at the north and south ends of the dome will allow outside light into the stadium and keep it from having such a dark look.

--Five members of the Rams' cheerleading squad are leaving on a military goodwill tour of the Middle East. The group will depart St. Louis on Friday, February 13 and visit bases in Iraq and Kuwait before returning to St. Louis on February 23.

As part of the tour, the cheerleaders will visit three military bases each day and meet with members of the military. The cheerleaders making the trip are Danielle Hogan, Lauren Moore, Christa Marx, Shannon Ward and Tiffany Crocker.

"We're very proud of the cheerleaders' commitment to make this important trip and honor our service men and women for their sacrifices and the tremendous service they provide our country on a daily basis," said Lucia Rodriguez, the team's owner
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I wouldn't be very smart unless I leaned on him for his expertise." -- Defensive coordinator Ken Flajole, when asked how much of a collaborative effort it will be between he and head coach Steve Spagnuolo.