Cubs add Bradley, Cardinals continue to do nothing

In an offseason where the Chicago Cubs have made moves to improve their NL Central winning team of a year ago, the St. Louis Cardinals have continued to be content with last season's fourth place finish.

The Cubs signed Milton Bradley to roam right field at Wrigley for the next three seasons only days after inking one of the biggest surprises from last season's Cardinals team in utility infielder Aaron Miles.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, have been content with their moves for left handed reliever Trevor Miller and shortstop Khalil Greene. They've made it clear they will stick with the offensively offensive Adam Kennedy at second base despite .280 average and total of just 35 RBIs and 42 runs.

Greene had a career worst year last season, hitting .213 with just 10 home runs and 35 RBIs to go with a .260 on base percentage. If those numbers don't improve for next season, he might not even be considered an upgrade from Cesar Izturis.

While the Cubs didn't re-sign Kerry Wood, they will be just fine in the closer department with Carlos Marmol moving there from the set up spot.

The organization has stated finding a new closer is the team's primary focus, but with Brian Fuentes now off the market and Mozeliak stating Trevor Hoffman is not an option, that leaves the Cardinals with very few options.

In the outfield, the Cardinals have more players than spots open. Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel, if not traded, are guaranteed starting spots. That leaves Skip Schumaker, Colby Rasmus, Joe Mather and Chris Duncan (it sincerely pains me to write his name as an option) to fight for the final spot.

The Cubs are also looking to improve their farm system. After the signing of Miles, they traded the no longer needed Mark DeRosa for three minor leaguers.

The Cardinals also need a utility infielder to fill the shoes of Miles. It will be nearly impossible to find someone to equal the production of Miles, who hit .317 with 49 runs and 31 RBIs and deserved to be the full time starting second baseman last season.

Don't expect any big moves from the Cardinals, as Mozeliak has been content balancing the checkbook while adding mediocre players to the team and finishing with around 80 wins since moving to the new Busch Stadium.