Mike Matheny option picked up, John Mozeliak extends contract

The St. Louis Cardinals held a press conference this morning to announce that the club has extended the contract of general manager John Mozeliak and pick up the 2014 option for manager Mike Matheny.
Feb 13, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny (right) and Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak (left) talk during spring training at Roger Dean Stadium. Image Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Cardinals principal owner Bill DeWitt, Jr. announced the pick-up and contract extension this morning with Mozeliak and Matheny sitting next to him.

“We just thought it was an appropriate time,” principal owner Bill DeWitt said. “Each of Mo and Mike had a year to go year and just wanted to solidify their standing in the organization beyond one year, and keep the continuity of a first-rate baseball operation going.”

“I’m humbled and grateful. I have to tell you that when Mo approached me and told me they were picking up the option I had to shake my head a couple times, because I didn’t really know that that was a topic of conversation,” Matheny said. “I felt like I still had a lot to do and a long way to go and still feel that way.”

Mozeliak started in October 2007 and with his new contract extension in place, he will remain as GM until the end of the 2016 season.

Jennifer Langosch noted:

"Assuming Mozeliak stays in his post through the duration of his contract, he’ll be just the fourth GM in Cardinals history to hold the position for at least nine years. Vaughn P. (Bing) Devine was the team’s GM for 18 years over two different periods. Dal Maxvill (10 years) and Jocketty (14 years) also had extended stays in the position."

Meanwhile, former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has applauded the moves.

As a part of 30 Clubs in 30 Days, MLB Network will visit the Cardinals on March 27, 2013 during MLB Tonight coverage.

The MLB Network has also announced their Spring Training schedule. The Cardinals will have games aired on the following days (all times Eastern):
Wed., Feb. 27 – LIVE, 1:00 p.m. St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Tue., March 12, 12:00 a.m. St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Yankees
Thu., March 14 – LIVE, 1:00 p.m. Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals
Sat., March 16, 3:00 a.m. Washington Nationals @ St. Louis Cardinals
Sun., March 17 – LIVE, 1:00 p.m. St. Louis Cardinals @ Miami Marlins
Tue., March 19, 8:00 a.m. New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals
Wed., March 20, 3:00 a.m. Miami Marlins @ St. Louis Cardinals
Thu., March 21 – LIVE, 1:00 p.m. St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Sat., March 23, 6:00 a.m. St. Louis Cardinals @ Houston Astros
Sat., March 23 – LIVE, 1:00 p.m. St. Louis Cardinals @ Miami Marlins
Tue., March 26, 10:00 a.m. St. Louis Cardinals @ Minnesota Twins
Tue., March 26, 11:00 p.m. St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Wed., March 27, 11:00 p.m. Washington Nationals Split Squad @ St. Louis Cardinals
Thu., March 28, 4:00 p.m. Miami Marlins @ St. Louis Cardinals

Only 5 of the Cardinals games airing on the MLB Network will be airing live as they happen.