The reminder of a life-changing offseason for Jason Motte looks her daddy in the eyes each afternoon when he returns to his Spring Training residence.

He doesn't fret the sleep she costs him or find monotony in the responsibilities of being a new father. There is power in perspective, and he embraces the way in which Margaret Morgan Motte has altered his.

In an offseason that many assume would have been highlighted by the financial security gained in signing a multi-year deal -- the first of Motte's career -- the Cardinals closer prepares for the 2013 season shouldering responsibilities that have nothing to do with preserving ninth-inning leads.

Rather, he has found added significance in his personal life.

Motte recently put his name to a foundation, which is aiding cancer patients and their families in Memphis, Tenn., a place he and his family now call home. Nearly two months after hosting his first charity event, Margaret was born. Both events made the two-year, $12 million contract Motte signed on Jan. 23, the bonus, not focus, of an impactful few months.

"Baseball is what I do, it's not who I am," Motte clarified. "Now, I think that even more."