By Kevin Reynolds, www.stlcardsnstuff.com
Winter Warm-Up media sessions got started with a “no questions about…” request this morning. Daniel Descalso, utility infielder and last year’s eventual starting shortstop for the Cardinals, took the podium and immediately informed the media he would not be taking questions regarding the arbitration process, choosing instead to “leave that between Mo and my agent.”
As one scribe in the room put it — “Deal.”
With the signing of Peralta in the offseason, there was still plenty to talk about.
Peralta gives the Cardinals their answer at shortstop for the next several years. It’s an answer that’s eluded them for quite some time, resulting in a virtual merry-go-round at the position that saw Pete Kozma start there at the beginning of 2013 only to offensively fade and give way to Descalso late in the season. Now, Descalso’s future role is uncertain.
“We’ll see where I fit into that equation. I haven’t talked to anybody about what to expect going forward,” said Descalso.
Of course, that’s nothing new for the Cardinals’ glove man. In multiple seasons with the Redbirds, he’s found himself in the discussion for a Gold Glove award at third base, sometimes-starter at second base, and eventual starter at shortstop in the 2013 postseason and World Series.
Perhaps, then, it’s just more of the same for Descalso.
Notes:
– Descalso also got married in the offseason, proudly flashing his ring at the podium.
– Descalso mentioned a few lessons he’s learned since his debut years back. For one, regarding hitting as early as November to prepare for the coming season, he said he’s realized, “No need to do any of that so early.”
