Brian34Cook

2008 Cards: Shift is on
03/30/2008


Colby Rasmus (above) ranks as franchise's most anticipated position prospect since J.D. Drew.

JUPITER, Fla. — Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt advocates a simple goal — that six organizational products in the same lineup not signify a rebuilding phase.

Perceived as a transitional team by some, a potentially bad one by others and an overlooked group capable of a positive jolt within their own clubhouse, the Cardinals open the 2008 season Monday with the potential for six players originally drafted and signed by the club in the lineup.

Don't call it future shock. DeWitt simply believes it's the way things should be.
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Since his hiring, Mozeliak has made "flexibility" his pet phrase.

The Cardinals gain significant payroll maneuverability following this season, when contracts may expire with closer Jason Isringhausen ($8 million); starting pitchers Braden Looper ($5.5 million), Mark Mulder ($6.5 million plus incentives) and Kyle Lohse ($4.25 million); right fielder Juan Encarnacion ($5 million); reliever Russ Springer ($3.5 million) and Scott Spiezio ($2.4 million). Deals with third baseman Troy Glaus, Kennedy and Joel Pineiro end after 2009.

"We tried this year to augment our club with short-term solutions," Mozeliak said. "We still want to be competitive. We want flexibility. We didn't look at this year as a timeout to wait for 2009 and 2010. Some people have perceived it that way, but I assure you that's not the case."

STLtoday - 2008 Cards: Shift is on