By Kevin Reynolds, www.stlcardsnstuff.com
John Mozeliak took the podium this morning to address the media regarding several Cardinals topics. To read his comments on Jaime Garcia, CLICK HERE. Below are just a few notes from Mo at Winter Warm-Up:
RE: Peter Bourjos – Mozeliak addressed trade acquisition Peter Bourjos for quite some time. Many have assumed Bourjos would hit near the top of the order considering the speed he brings to the table. But Mo had a different take. Noting he doesn’t make lineups, he said if he did, “I would be very reluctant to move him up top.” Mozeliak briefly discussed the value of having speed at the back end of the lineup.
RE: Matt Carpenter – Mozeliak expressed no desire to get Matt Carpenter to hit for more power despite returning him to a corner infield spot (3B) commonly known as a landing spot for power hitters. Mo said he would be just fine with a duplication of last season’s OBP-heavy numbers. He also indicated he would be 100% comfortable keeping Matt Carpenter in the leadoff spot in the order, despite the presence of hitters like Kolten Wong and Peter Bourjos…if, he said, he was in the business of making lineups. Finally, regarding Carp’s possible contract status, nothing is imminent right now, but he “wouldn’t rule anything out by Opening Day.”
RE: Oscar Taveras – Not a lot of new information here, except perhaps Mo’s thoughts on Taveras playing center field now that Bourjos joins Jon Jay in the mix. “Playing center field is going to be harder now,” he said, identifying the situation as a “big question mark for me.” Mo added Taveras certainly profiles better at the corner outfield spots. Mo also shared an update on his recovery based on this weekend (able to move a lot of weight, able to put a lot of pressure on his foot, and no residual effects per doctors) saying he expects him to be running at 100% by Spring Training. Ultimately, when it comes to lineups, roles, and position-sharing between Allen Craig, Matt Adams, and Oscar Taveras to get Taveras’ bat in the order, Mo said, “I think the way the club needs to look at that is to do what’s best for him.”
More to come…