By Chris Brown – STL Baseball Today
Note: This article was published Thursday afternoon, before the Cardinals’ trade for reliever Jonathon Broxton from the Brewers.
In a conference with reporters prior to the Cardinals series opener against the Colorado Rockies, general manager John Mozeliak discussed the team’s trade with the Cleveland Indians for Brandon Moss, including the opinion that the team over payed for him, as well as what his plan was leading up to Friday afternoon’s non-waiver trade deadline.
[Related: A look at all the Cardinals’ trade deadline deals]
Some highlights (via KMOX 1120 AM):
On whether a deal with the Indians was being discussed prior to Matt Holliday’s injury:
“No. It was not tied to it. When we were looking at what we could try to accomplish by the 31st, one of the things we felt we needed to do was find a bat, power bat – somebody that could fit in our lineup, but also give us some flexibility.”
On Moss and other rumored trade candidates:
“I think there were a lot of names being bantered about on what we might be chasing or looking for. The one thing that was so attractive to us with Moss is that he can play first base, he can play the outfield. We have him under control for next year. For us, we just felt like it was the right person at the right time.”
On the likelihood of making another trade before the deadline:
“Obviously we still have… 24 hours left. I’ll continue to talk to clubs and weigh what we could possibly do to improve. In terms of having a more impact type deal, I don’t envision that.”
On trading lefty pitching prospect Rob Kaminsky and the thoughts that the team gave up too much:
“I certainly understand when people feel like we may have over-payed on this deal, but I would also position it as – We had a need. We also felt like we were dealing from a strength. When you think about our left side with Marco (Gonzales), (Tyler) Lyons, and (Tim) Cooney we felt like we’re protected over the next few years in that regard.”
On the trade overall:
“We also felt like how we internally value players, and how we look at that…. (We) just felt like where we were on this we had to do it… It’s hard to just please everybody, but ultimately when you make decisions and you’re overseeing a club the thing you have to do is feel what you’re doing is best for the team. Overall I felt this was going to help us.”
On Moss:
“We do believe there’s some upside with Mr. Moss and we feel that, given that upside, he really does fit what we need.”
On how Moss’ year of control after the season factored into the deal:
“Obviously it was very desirable, because when you talk about us giving up a young prospect, we certainly wanted someone who was more than just a rental.”
On Moss’ potential role on the team this season:
“I see him as more than a platoon guy. If you look at his right-left splits…he’s neutral. I think that just gives Mike (Matheny) a little more flexibility in how to think about the lineup. Obviously we were trying to address first base, and he likes to play there, but he can play the outfield.”
…and next season:
“Any time you can add offense, especially thump, you’re probably in a better spot. So I think next year – we’ll deal with next year – but I think the fact is that’s a good problem to have.”
On Piscotty getting playing time in the outfield:
“It does (allow Piscotty to focus mainly in the outfield). I think that’s important too.”
Listen to the full news conference with Mozeliak below:
Feature image used under Creative Commons from John Max Mena. No changes made. Image license.
