LAS VEGAS • The mad, pre-Christmas spending spree a year ago on every contending team’s must-have accessory — a custom-built, fully loaded, high-octane bullpen — proved to be more dollars than sense and may have contributed to a chilling effect on this year’s bidding for relievers. There are many teams, like the Cardinals, who are shopping for ways to finish games.
“We’re exploring both,” Cardinals general manager Michael Girsch said of the trade and free-agent marketplaces for relievers. “Neither of them are happening right now. It’s not like one of them is on fire and the other one is not.