Major League Baseball

Cardinals promote Mozeliak, Girsch

Published Jun. 30, 2017 5:38 p.m. ET

ST. LOUIS (AP) The Cardinals promoted general manager John Mozeliak to president of baseball operations and Michael Girsch to GM on Friday.

Both received contracts through 2020.

Mozeliak has served as the team's general manager since October 2007.

''Over the past 10 years, baseball operations have become more complex and demanding,'' Cardinals CEO Bill DeWitt, Jr. said. ''Giving Girsch more day-to-day responsibility will enable Mo (Mozeliak) to focus on strategic initiatives and long-range planning.''

The Cardinals enter their three-game home series Friday against the Washington Nationals four games under .500, yet just 3+ games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.

''Our goals remain the same,'' said Mozeliak, who is the first to hold his new title with the Cardinals. ''We expect to win, we expect to compete and we expect to put a product out on that field that all of you can be proud of.

''I promise you this, even though the struggles of this season have been difficult, we're going to work hard to get back to where we want to be.''

Earlier in June, Mozeliak made several changes on Mike Matheny's coaching staff and he hasn't been shy about sending regulars to the minors if they've not met expectations.

Girsch spent the past 6+ years as the assistant GM. He joined the front office in 2006 without any baseball background and spent two years as the coordinator of amateur scouting.

In 2008, he became the director of baseball development and held that position before moving up to assistant GM in 2011.

''This organization holds a special place in this community and I don't take this new role lightly,'' Girsch said. ''This is a great responsibility and I appreciate the confidence that Bill and Mo are showing me in giving me this opportunity.''

The Cardinals had a successful 10-year stretch during Mozeliak's tenure as general manager. St. Louis advanced to the playoffs six times and the World Series twice, including winning the 2011 title.

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