Cardinals agree to 1-year deal with Ronny Cedeno

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The St. Louis Cardinals have shored up the middle infield by agreeing to a one year deal with Ronny Cedeno. As a result, left-handed relief pitcher Barret Browinig was designated for assignment.
Sep 11, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets shortstop Ronny Cedeno (13) singles to left center during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Nationals won 5-3. Image Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals also made the news official that Bengie Molina, the older brother of Yadier Molina, has accepted a position as the Cardinals new Assistant Hitting Coach. John Mabry is currently the Cardinals Hitting Coach.

Meanwhile, in spring training news for the Cardinals, the organization announced that 16 non-roster plays would be invited. This list includes Oscar Taveras, Kolten Wong, Seth Maness, Michael Wacha, Carlos Martinez, Rob Johnson, J.R. Towles, and Justin Christian.

The AP reports that the one year agreement is worth $1.15 million with an additional $850,000 in incentives for his performance.

Playing for the New York Mets last season, the infielder hit .259 in 78 games while hitting 4 home runs and driving in 22. Since making his 2005 Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs, Cedeno has also put in service time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners.

From a defensive standpoint, Cedeno has been a solid infielder. At second base, he has a .981 fielding percentage. It’s slightly lower at short stop where the Venezuelan has a .970 fielding percentage. The Cardinals release does note that Cedeno’s “.974 fielding pct. at shortstop since 2010” currently ranks 4th in the National League.

The best news of all for baseball fans came in the Cardinals press release today:

"Cardinals’ pitchers and catchers report to Jupiter, Fla. on Monday, February 11 and hold their first workout on Tuesday, February 12. The Cardinals full squad reports on Thursday, February 14 and conducts its first workout on Friday, February 15, followed by their opening Grapefruit League contest on Saturday, February 23 against the Miami Marlins."

We are inching ever so close to the official start Spring Training. The warm weather is right around the corner.