John Mozeliak holds nothing back with the media in January-but doesn't give too much either. If that makes sense, let's move on.
"When you look at where our team is today, we are better than we were when the season ended," Mozeliak added before questions came in from reporters and columnists.
Answering a bevy of questions that centered around the improvement of the roster over a winter that aimed to be bold, Mozeliak gave definitive answers that may not please the masses, yet tells them where the team stands. Take the closer quandary for instance.
When asked about who the closer for the team is at this moment, Mozeliak said without hesitation that it was Luke Gregerson. The former Houston Astros reliever experienced a downtown in performance last season, but was brought in to handle late inning duties. This could mean two things. First, it could be an "at the moment" idea that works with a signing still to come. Second, it could be a wait and see approach until a young pitcher can handle it.
"Going into the season, it will be Gregerson. He has experience there. With our bullpen, there will be opportunities for other pitchers to step up. It may seem faceless today, but by the time spring training ends, we will have a good idea of what it looks like."
Example #1 of how Mozeliak answers a question without answering it. He put Gregerson out there, but then pointed out that the decision isn't grounded in bolts and steel. He indicated there is movement there for someone else to grow into the role or step in immediately. For now, Gregerson has the most saves on the roster of relievers, so he gets the first chance.
How about Sam Tuivailala? Mozeliak noticed the positive step that "Tui" took last year, but was hesitant to name him as an option. Like up and coming fireballer Jordan Hicks, Tuivailala still lacks a second pitch to support his fastball.
Mozeliak doesn't want to push rehabbing starter Alex Reyes into the closer role or rotation. "We don't want to push him due to a need. If we are pushing him because he's ready, that's different."
With Addison Reed on the market carrying four seasons of double-digit save season, Gregerson's lifetime total of 66 doesn't push much confidence onto writers or fans as the spring awaits, but for the time being, it's his role to lose.
On where the Cardinals stand in the division:
"Right now, we have three teams who are competitive. I don't think there a club in our division who is head and shoulders above."
On a move that could be made to dramatically change the division:
"I don't think dramatically. I feel we addressed what we needed to. There are things we may chase. I'm not sure if the market will define that. Between now and opening day, I imagine there will be a lot of noise."
On Jedd Gyorko:
"He will get every opportunity at third base. Our infield will allow to move people around a fair amount. Give players a day or two. We are pretty excited on what we have on the infield. We have definitely hedging our bets on players having better seasons."
Hedging our bets is something the Cardinals did a lot the past two offseasons. Looking at players, holding back, and rerouting your sights a bit as the market developed.
Leaning on Gregerson as a closer in a temporary capacity is one thing for a team with fluid young pitchers, but as a long term stretch, that may be a tough bet. A gamble more than a rest easy approach.
I would say the closer situation is unfinished. Gregerson is there for now, and while his 31 save 2015 season is nice, the Cardinals still need to address that. While he states there is a guy now, Mozeliak also kept the door open for another addition to the ninth inning cavalry.
