St. Louis GM on Peralta: Cardinals aren't 'moral police'

Oct 18, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak (second from left) hoists the National League championship trophy while standing next to chairman William DeWitt, Jr. (left) and manager Mike Matheny (right) after game six of the National League Championship Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David J. Phillip/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /

The St. Louis Cardinals signing of shortstop Jhonny Peralta to a four-year $52 million contract has brought with it some razor sharp criticism from fans and players alike.

As has been widely reported at this point, Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Brad Ziegler has been one of the most outspoken critics.

"“It pays to cheat… Thanks, owners, for encouraging PED use,” Ziegler’s Twitter account read, responding to the Peralta contract"

Cardinals’ general manager John Mozeliak responded to the widespread criticism on Monday.

"“I don’t think it’s the Cardinals responsibility necessarily to be the moral police on potentially future employment,” Mozeliak said, according to Matt Snyder at CBS Sports."

In an excerpt from the CBS Sports report, Mozeliak explained further.

"“Character and makeup are something we weigh into our decision-making. In his case, he admitted what he did, he took responsibility for it. I feel like he has paid for his mistakes, and obviously if he were to make another one, then it would be a huge disappointment.”"

Peralta missed 50 games in 2013 due to his involvement in the now infamous Biogenesis scandal. He returned to the Detroit Tigers in time for the playoffs where he hit .333 (11-33) with a home run, four doubles and collected 6 RBI.

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St. Louis GM on Peralta: Cardinals aren’t ‘moral police’

By Matt Cowlishaw | Nov 25, 2013