JUPITER, Fla. — St. Louis manager Tony La Russa isn't putting much thought into a new book that suggests Mark McGwire knew well that steroids would boost his power at the plate.

The book to be released Monday is by McGwire's estranged brother, Jay McGwire. He says Big Mac knew he got better because his body grew because of steroid use.

McGwire last month admitted taking steroids and human growth hormone during the 1990s. He hasn't commented on the book as he works with hitters at the Cardinals' spring training facility.

La Russa told reporters Thursday that the allegations sound familiar. He says the book doesn't sound like "first-page-to-last-page damning stuff about Mark." He says the claims have been "gone over a bunch of times" and won't change anything.