The request, an urgent one direct from the manager’s office, was for a third baseman — preferably a player who could bring some defensive stability to the corner. In August 2010 the Cardinals had turned to Felipe Lopez to replace David Freese. And while the Cardinals were having a hard time holding on to contention, Lopez was having a harder time grasping the ball.
The front office, led by general manager John Mozeliak, responded to manager Tony La Russa’s wish with a trade that put immediacy ahead of impact, availability over value. They acquired Pedro Feliz from Houston for the final 40 (lackluster) games of his career.