St. Louis Cardinals to decide the fate of arbitration-eligible players – MLB News
The St. Louis Cardinals now have the deadline of November 30 to offer contracts to the five arbitration-eligible players. All those to be tendered contracts actually constitute an influential role on the team owing to their feats and credentials in the respective spots.
They include closer Jason Motte, relievers Mitchell Boggs, Edward Mujica, Marc Rzepczynski, and third baseman David Freese.
If any decision is likely, which can only be surmised at this juncture, are contract offers of a one-year each to a few players. Prior to arbitration hearing, the eligible players are expected to reach an agreement with the team.
Also likely is the fact that the likes of David Freese and Jason Motte get multi-year extensions.
David Freese appeared in 144 games this past season, having had .293 batting average, smashing 20 home-runs coupled with 79 RBIs. Last year, he was the most instrumental player in the team’s win in both the National League Championship Series and the World Series.
He was an All-Star player this year, and won World Series Most Valuable Player Award, NLCS MVP and Babe Ruth Award last year with .545 batting average in the NLCS. That won him accolades from all and sundry.
"He's just got it," said Lance Berkman. "I don't know exactly what 'it' is. But he's got it. He's one of those players who can perform when it matters most. He may not always come through, but the moment is never bigger than he is."
Jason Motte, on the other hand, led the National League with his 42 saves in the 67 appearances, having had an impressive 2.75 ERA in 72 innings that he pitched with 86 strike-outs to his credit.
Motte has inarguably had a big role to play as a closer for the St. Louis Cardinals for the last two years. As he rocked, fired and tried to jam the batters throughout these two seasons, he is expected to continue it in the years to come.
But important here is what the Cardinals are thinking right now; which will be reflected by their decision in a couple of weeks.
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