Cardinals finalize three-year deal with Randy Choate – MLB News
He was courted by a few teams, but it was the St. Louis Cardinals which had the kind of fascinating offer that 37-year-old lefty reliever Randy Choate was looking for.
On Friday, December 07, the Cardinals finalized the three-year contract with the veteran reliever after the latter passed a physical. This is the longest contract offer that Choate got, and certainly one of the profit-making wherein he will make $7.5 million.
If anything, it is the age that may raise eyebrows; that may generate some questions. But Choate is as confident as he could be when he was only 24. His confidence manifests itself in practical effect when he asserts his role fits into the Cardinals’ needs.
"I think any player is looking for a chance to get into the playoffs," said Choate. "You never know what contract is going to be your last. My role fit into their needs, and after watching them last year make the push [into the playoffs], they obviously
have something special going on there that I'm excited to be a part of."
With the official announcement of contract made, the Cardinals will have an experienced arm in the bullpen. The fact that it is the longest contract he has ever had in his career, the last time the oldest was of two years, seems to have brought a sense of
responsibility with itself.
Age, as stated above, will not be a matter of concern for the veteran reliever. "I know I'm going to come in and face one or two tough lefties," Choate said. "I understand my role. I don't think age really matters much. I have had some of my best years as
I've gotten older, and I feel as good now as I did at 24."
The assignment brings with itself thrill for Randy Choate. With the likes of Marc Rzepczynski playing side by side, Choate will have an opportunity to improve his record as well. In 476 career games, he posted 4.02 ERA in 309 innings that he pitched, having
11-11 record with a total of six saves to his credit.
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