One of the popular narratives from this weekend’s Cardinals Care Winter Warm Up was that the front office was done making moves this offseason. Quotes from President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak’s meeting with the local media fired off into the twitterverse in real-time. Fans across Cardinals Nation began to panic.
Luke Gregerson as the closer: Mozeliak stated, “going into the season. … He has experience doing it.”
Off-season shopping list: Mozeliak stated, “Objectives met this offseason…Middle of the order bat Ozuna…SP Miles Mikolas…Relief Pitching Luke Gregerson.”
Sean Bain on Twitter
Mo on closer “Luke Gregerson is going to get that opportunity first. He wants that role.” @ArchCitySports @Cardinals #STLCards #WinterWarmup
Sean Bain on Twitter
Mo on the bullpen make up “I like giving people a chance, and I like our internal options.” @ArchCitySports #STLCards #WinterWarmup
Sean Bain on Twitter
Mo on Lance Lynn “I can’t answer on free agents. We’ve got the guys to cover the innings needed for this season.” @ArchCitySports @Cardinals #STLCards #WinterWarmup
Many then jumped to the conclusion that the Cardinals front office was satisfied with the make up of the team heading into Spring Training. The problem with that theory is that Mozeliak said much more than just that this weekend.
Sean Bain on Twitter
Mo on off-season shopping list “We’re never finished…if something makes sense for us, short term or long term, we can make the move.” @ArchCitySports @Cardinals #STLCards #WinterWarmup
Many of the questions that were asked to Mozeliak were answered as if the season started today. Mozeliak seemed to be much more candid in his responses to the fans than to the media, and that’s understandable. He’s not going to tip his hand to anyone, and at this point he deserves the benefit of the doubt. The vibe I got from multiple Cardinals officials this weekend was quite simple, they’ve got the resources to make any move but they are not going to make a move to satisfy certain individuals need for instant gratification. This is an organization that is not only focused on this season but realizes that they have the firepower to compete for many seasons to come.
More often than not, being patient and letting the market come to you is a strategy that works. It’s worked for the Cardinals quite a lot since 2000. Who was the Scouting Director for the Cardinals that season? John Mozeliak.
I wouldn’t be surprised at all if at least one more move is done prior to the season to address the pitching staff, and even if it doesn’t happen that doesn’t restrict the Cardinals from making a trade to address a need. Baseball is almost back, and the Cardinals are in good hands.
