MINNEAPOLIS • When Mark Reynolds signed with the Cardinals he did more than simply take what he felt was the best offer. He accepted a new, less certain role professionally and accepted a change to his approach at the plate that he intended to make, personally.
An unapologetic slugger with homers and strikeouts elbowing for equal billing on his baseball card, Reynolds recognized as a pinch hitter he would have to be more reliable when it came to putting the ball in play. In that role he refined his two-strike approach and earned praise from manager Mike Matheny.