St. Louis Cardinals continue filling 40-man roster – MLB News
St. Louis Cardinals now have five remaining arbitration-eligible players to settle contracts with as on Tuesday, November 15. The club decided to part ways with reliever Kyle McClellan. The list of arbitration-eligible players has some big names.
Starting from closer Jason Motte to third baseman David Freese, Edward Mujica to Mitchell Boggs and Marc Rzepczynski, the club has to make contract offers by the 30th of this month or they all will become free agents.
On the other hand, the Cardinals have 36 players in the 40-man roster. That actually provides enough space for the club to manoeuvre. Before December’s Rule 5 Draft, as the club is also required to add players from the Minor League, it has to be seen what Cards’ next move will be.
Also on Tuesday, the Cardinals made an announcement pertaining to a deal with a Minor League catcher Rob Johnson.
Johnson will also have an invitation to take part in Spring Training as a non-roster player.
In the presence of veteran Yadier Molina and Tony Cruz, Johnson will be the third catcher to be included in the roster if all goes well. Inclusion of Johnson, it is to be said, will bring some competition for Cruz, who is in the club as Molina’s backup.
Apart from playing 45 Triple-A games, Johnson has also remained associated with the New York Mets wherein he represented the club in 17 Major League games. Initially being a part of Seattle Mariners when he made his start in 2007, Johnson brings experience with himself in the club.
In a year where the Cardinals had both ups and downs, manager Mike Matheny has made some best moves, something acknowledged by the players.
“When we went through our stretches where things weren't so hot, he was always positive,” Jay said. “He kept believing in us and kept telling us how much talent we had on this team and how much we all cared about each other. And I think that's been the big thing this year—just staying positive.”
With roster to be filled, St. Louis Cardinals upcoming moves will have enormous bearing on the team once the 2013 MLB season starts.
Tags: