The Cardinals missed out on A.J. Burnett, who agreed to a five-year, $55-million deal with the Blue Jays on Tuesday, so now it’s on to next item on their priority list: relief pitching. The Cardinals are eyeing relievers Braden Looper, Octavio Dotel and Matt Mantei. The Cardinals would also like to resign Julian Tavarez.
The other concern is at second base. The team has until 11 PM Wednesday to ink free agent Mark Grudzielanek to a deal or offer arbitration. If not free agents cannot be resigned until May.