Cards GM John Mozeliak: ‘We’re out of the big pitcher market’

Despite a known common interest, it appears that St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak is content moving forward without making a push for prized free agent Max Scherzer. In fact, Mozeliak indicated on Saturday that the Cardinals are out of the big pitcher market all together, which would seemingly eliminate James Shields as an option as well.

“At this point, we are not actively shopping,” Mozeliak asserts (really repeats) his starting pitching stance to media at Warmup #cardinals

— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) January 17, 2015

First question from fans to Mozeliak is one word and shouted by many: “Scherzer?!” Mo: “We are out of the big pitcher market.” #cardinals

— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) January 17, 2015

So throw out Cole Hamels too?

Bill DeWitt said it’s a long shot they add a pitcher. Mozeliak adds, “I’d say longer shot. Unlikely at this point.” #cardinals #stlcards

— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) January 17, 2015

That seems to be the inference, so it looks like the Cardinals will move forward with what they have unless a workable deal is presented.

Focusing on the biggest fish in the pond, rumblings of Scherzer going to the Cardinals never actually progressed to a headline-grabbing rumor. The connection made sense considering that Scherzer grew up in the St. Louis suburb of Chesterfield, but movement toward an agreement never picked up steam because of the hefty contract demands. 

On the other hand, Shields figures to land a more manageable deal. However, the Cardinals were only loosely connected early in the offseason and seem to have steered clear of that market all together in recent weeks. As for Hamels, the Cardinals were still considered a primary suitor on Thursday. However, Saturday’s declaration likely means the Philadelphia Phillies asking price is out of their range. 

So what does that leave manager Mike Matheny with for starting options?

He still has his ace, Adam Wainwright. The four-time Cy Young finalist is on the mend following offseason elbow surgery, but played catch on Friday without any discomfort. Lance Lynn is back too fresh off signing a new three-year deal. As is veteran right-hander John Lackey. But that’s pretty much where the sure things end and the questions begin. 

• Can Michael Wacha and/or Jaime Garcia stay healthy?

• Will 23-year-old right-hander Carlos Martinez earn a spot after excelling in the bullpen? 

• What do they have in Marco Gonzales? 

These are all questions that will take months to answer, so it’s understandable if Cardinals fans are a bit antsy. For now, though, it appears those are the guys who will be garnering the most interest when spring training opens, and perhaps carrying the most pressure when the regular season begins. 

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813