ST. LOUIS -- The need is as it was a year ago for the Cardinals, who again set out on an offseason search for an impact bat. The route toward that end, however, will likely take a different course, and the Cardinals will approach it by reevaluating the organizational blueprint that had, for so long, reaped sustained success and been the envy of so many.
Three years spent watching the playoffs affords time for such reflection. Some would even call it necessary.
"Eighty-eight wins was not good enough," president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said on Tuesday as he addressed myriad topics in an hour-long question-and-answer session with local media.