Cynics will shrug, optimists will dream bigger than they should and the rest of us will just do what we always do, which is wait and see, knowing actions in the end speak much louder than words.
But until then, for those interested in what the person actually in charge of the Cardinals' roster had to say about what the team could still do during this offseason, here were some interesting John Mozeliak quotes from his Saturday rounds at Cardinals Winter Warm-up.
• “As we sit here on January 13, is there still something that could happen? Of course. Learned a long time ago in the offseason there is no real finish line until the offseason is over and you start the season. We are going to keep looking and continue to see if there are ways to improve this club or some additions. Overall, though, we feel good about where we are. But there is always some work to do.â€
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• “We’re never done. It wouldn’t shock me to see another addition or two by the time we get to spring training — or even into camp.â€
• “The budget question always comes up. Payroll question. It’s probably not as black and white as people would like to think it is. Depending on what the type of investment might look like, it’s something we can always take to ownership if we feel like it’s important or a good value. But do I think there is some room in the payroll if we needed to? Yes.â€
• “Where our bullpen is, it’s stronger. Is there something we could still possibly do? Possibly.â€
• “It could be anything,†Mozeliak said when asked if remaining moves would be bullpen focused over rotation focused. “Not closing the door to anything at this point.â€
The Cardinals like what they have. (I've yet to cover a Winter Warm-up where the Cardinals sounded like they didn't like what they had, whether they were right or wrong.)
But the Cardinals don't sound done. Whether the remaining moves will be minor or major, we'll see. Team president Bill DeWitt III can be found quoted by P-D lead Cardinals beat writer Derrick Goold in Saturday's paper regarding the continued search for bullpen help.
Mozeliak on Saturday indicated the same and, whether it was his usual defiance to setting parameters on offseason wants and needs or a tell, he declined to limit the pitching quest to just relievers.
The Cardinals have made three veteran free-agent rotation additions: Sonny Gray (column on him coming later), Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. Prospects and trade-deadline additions acquired during last season's selloff should help bulk up the depth. Zack Thompson is one example of a helpful pitcher whose role remains undetermined.
Reminder: The Cardinals' rotation last season produced a 5.07 ERA that ranked third to last in the National League. The rotation's 48 quality starts (six innings pitched and three or fewer earned runs allowed) also ranked third to last in the NL.
The Cardinals have quietly acquired multiple new options for their bullpen along the way. They traded Richie Palacios for Andrew Kittredge. They traded Tyler O'Neill for Nick Robertson. They picked up Ryan Fernandez in the Rule 5 draft (and kept Wilking Rodriguez) and traded for Riley O'Brien from the Mariners. Ryan Helsley, Giovanny Gallegos, JoJo Romero and others return. Prospects like Gordon Graceffo could make an impact as well.
Reminder: The Cardinals' bullpen last season produced a 4.47 ERA that ranked third to last in the NL. Relievers blew 28 saves. The team blew 41 leads.
There are still some rather noteworthy names left on the list of still-available free-agent starters and relievers. Here's . Take a spin through it and see if you see some names that could help this team. Answer: You betcha. The clock that ticks down toward pitcher/catcher report dates is moving fast. Free agents and agents will soon be growing restless. The Cardinals don't have to be desperate. Thanks to their work accomplished so far, they can be opportunistic. They should be.
This is not negative commentary on the arms the Cardinals already acquired. It's just stating the obvious. When you were one of the worst pitching teams in baseball last season, and you are asking fans to believe you are committed to fixing that issue, there's real value in being the team that ends the offseason with an exclamation point, or two. It sends a message to the fans. It could absolutely impact the standings.
Expect the Cardinals to add at least one more reliever.
Hopefully they understand and respect the appetite for more, and take advantage of the time they have to explore, thanks to the work they have done to this point and the 2023 outcome they insist they are determined to bounce back from in a major way.
Saturday sounded encouraging.
We'll know soon enough.
Cardinals baseball exec John Mozeliak talks moves, plus more Winter Warm-up videos
Hear from Cardinals executive John Mozeliak and players, who spoke to fans and the press on Saturday at the team's annual Winter Warm-up.
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak opening comments at Winter Warm-up on Saturday before taking questions from the media.Â
John Mozeliak, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations, talks with Polo Ascencio about the return of Yadier Molina to the Cardinals on stag…
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak fields questions and comments on pitching depth, pitching prospects, Yadier Molina’s …
Cardinals pitcher Sem Robberse, one of the pitchers acquired at the trade deadline, discusses join the club via trade and being added to 40-ma…
Cardinals prospect Thomas Saggese, acquired from Texas at the trade deadline, talks about how that trade motivated him, how he felt watching t…
Cardinals starter Sonny Gray discusses getting ready for the season and how he fits in the clubhouse.
Cardinals minor league pitcher Tink Hence speaks to reporters during a news conference at Busch Stadium during Winter Warm-Up on January 13, 2024.
During Day 1 of Cardinals Winter Warm-up on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, Buddy Kennedy spoke to reporters about his grandfather's connection of fa…
Cardinals rookie Masyn Winn talks about his first big-league experience and winning the starting shortstop job in spring training.
Ivan Herrera discusses going into spring training as the backup catcher, working with Yadier Molina and Willson Contreras during Cardinals Win…
Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera talks about his work with Yadier Molina and how struggles in majors led to a rapid, vast improvement defensivel…
Cardinals prospect and the club's minor league pitcher of the year Max Rajcic spoke on his prep for the upcoming season and reflected on his f…
Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman discusses the changes to his workouts and diet to address back soreness that put him on the injured list in 2…
Cardinals utility infielder Brendan Donovan describes his rehab schedule and what he wants to complete before spring training. Donovan spoke t…
Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar talks with the media Sunday at Winter Warm-up and discusses his GQ award in Japan and being present as team…
Cardinals lefty Matthew Liberatore talks to media Sunday at Winter Warm-up.