The St. Louis Cardinals have released pitcher Hazelwood West alum and North County native Kyle McClellan, the organization announced Tuesday, as it also signed catcher Rob Johnson to a minor league contract.

McClellan, 28, appeared in 16 games for St. Louis in 2012 because of labrum surgery in July. However, McClellan has struggled since the end of 2011 season but did help with getting the Cards to the World Series.

McClellan may not be surprised by the release. In July McClellan said he felt as though he may have played his last game as a St. Louis Cardinal.

McClellan was arbitration-eligible for the third time this winter.

"I know how the process works," he said in July. "I know they're thinking about how to protect themselves.

"I also know that if everything goes as planned, I'll be in a position to help a team next season..."

This ends a decade long relationship that began in 2002, when the Cards selected McClellan, strait out of high school, in the 25th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft.

Are you sad to see McClellan go? Do you have any well-wishes for him. Tell us in the comments section.