Die Allianz T-D-P » o-year contract extension that will keep him

There are two ways to look at the St. Louis Cardinals offseason.The optimists will say that general manager John Mozeliak aggressively filled his two biggest needs, signing outfielder Dexter Fowler and reliever Brett Cecil to big contracts. And in doing so, he managed to hold onto the top prospects in his farm system, ensuring a bright future.The pessimists will say that he overpaid for both of them, and that could back the Cardinals into a corner when they need the financial flexibility to make other moves next season.Reality is probably somewhere in the middle, but one thing is certain: Mozeliak has boldly acquired two premium free agents that better position St. Louis to deal with the World Series champion Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.Our group worked tirelessly over the past few weeks, especially this past week at the winter meetings, Mozeliak said. There were a lot of things that we were chasing.In truth, the dealing began when the Cardinals fortified their bullpen by signing Cecil to a $30.5 million, four-year contract. The left-hander was the only relief pitcher that really fit their wish list, and should be able to deal with high-leverage situations ahead of closer Seung Hwan Oh. Cecil, who was slowed by a torn lat muscle last season, dominated down the stretch. He threw 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball in the playoffs, confirming everything the Cardinals thought of him.They always have good teams -- good, winning teams, Cecil said of the Cardinals, and like I said, for my family and me, this is where we wanted to come. It was the best fit for us.It turned out that plugging up the bullpen was the easy move. Mozeliak knew that solving his outfield quandary would be more expensive, either in terms of prospects or cash on the free-agent market.Perhaps recognizing that, he sent veteran left-hander Jaime Garcia to the Atlanta Braves. The trade not only saved them the $12 million option the Cardinals exercised on Garcia earlier in the offseason, but it also landed them a pair of pitching prospects and second base prospect Luke Dykstra.There were several options available to fill the Cardinals outfield hole, not to mention address their desire to improve their defense, speed on the base paths and get younger across the board.But their interest in Adam Eaton became moot when the Nationals swooped in with a better package of prospects, luring the 28-year-old outfielder from the White Sox to Washington. And if there was any interest in Ian Desmond, who converted from shortstop to the outfield for Texas last season, it didnt matter after the Rockies doled out $70 million over five years to grab him in free agency.Not surprisingly, the Cardinals turned their focus to Fowler -- assuming it was anywhere else all along -- and reeled him in last week. But it came at a steep price : $82.5 million over five years.Hes expected to take over center field, allowing Randal Richuk to slide to left.A lot has been written -- I dont know if you were questioning what we were trying to do or werent sure we were going to be able to finish, Mozeliak said. We certainly wanted to get this done, were excited we got this done.Fowler gives the Cardinals a top-of-the-order hitter. He gives them speed. He upgrades their defense and gives them more flexibility. And he provides some excitement in the clubhouse.This is a baseball city, said Fowler, who recalled seeing Cardinals shirts in the crowd during the Cubs World Series victory parade. Every time you come here, you see red everywhere. Just being a part of that and their winning culture was a big part of my decision.The moves Mozeliak has made this offseason, he hopes, ensures that the winning culture continues. But he also insisted that he isnt done, even if the big pieces appear to be in place.I think for us its going to be looking more at complementary pieces to what we have, he said. There is no doubt we still have work to do, but making a bolder-type move, I dont envision that. Joe Garagiola Angels Jersey . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. Matt Thaiss Jersey . While hell be dialed in to that tournament on a course he loves, you can forgive him if his eyes glance down the calendar just a bit, towards April. https://www.cheapangels.com/763j-don-baylor-jersey-angels.html . While hell be dialed in to that tournament on a course he loves, you can forgive him if his eyes glance down the calendar just a bit, towards April. Bobby Knoop Angels Jersey . Isner, ranked No. 14, won his eighth career singles title and took the title in New Zealand for the second time after his victory in 2010. The match was similar to Isners quarterfinal victory over fifth-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber which went to three sets, all tiebreaks and contained no breaks of serve. Luke Bard Angels Jersey . The deal is pending a physical, assistant general manager Bobby Evans said. Traded from Seattle to Baltimore on Aug. 30, Morse also can play first base and right field to give manager Bruce Bochy some flexibility in writing his lineup.Hull FC winger Curtis Naughton has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2018. The 21-year-old former Bradford outside back was in the last year of his deal with the Black and Whites, having joined them from Sydney Roosters ahead of the 2015 Super League season. Naughton, who was poised for a loan move to Huddersfield earlier this year until Hull lost winger Mahe Fonua through injury, made his first appearance of the season against Wakefield last Friday when he took his try tally to 10 in just 14 matches.And Hull coach Lee Radford is delighted the player has decided his future will be at the KC Stadium.Radford said: I think he has a great long-term future at the club. There was interest in him from elsewhere but the fact he wanted to stay is a credit to the group and a credit to Hull FC.ddddddddddddWe want to find him a starting spot and fulfil his potential. He has a good strike rate and can cover the outside backs, either at full-back or on the wing.Naughton said: I had a good end to last season and was coming to the end of my contract so Im really happy to be staying at the club.My main focus now is cementing a place in the side and playing first-grade regularly. Also See: Burgess cleared of serious injury Rugby League on Sky Fixtures and results Follow @SkySportsRL ' ' '