ST. LOUIS -- Since the Winter Meetings, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has talked about adding a pitcher.
From Day One, Mozeliak indicated he was looking for someone to provide depth, not a big-name, big-money starter. His public proclamations, of course, have done little to slow speculation that the Cardinals were pursuing an ace. They were linked to just about every big name that was available or was thought to be available.
Though the signing Wednesday of Carlos Villanueva to a minor league deal is unlikely to curb the rumors -- I'm not sure what can -- bringing in the 31-year-old right-hander accomplishes Mozeliak's objective.
Villanueva, 31, gives the Cardinals versatility as well as added insurance for projected fifth starter Carlos Martinez. Villanueva has made 390 appearances in the majors, including 76 as a starter. He made five starts among his 42 appearances for the Cubs last season, finishing with a 4.64 ERA in 77 2/3 innings. Against the Cardinals, he went 0-2 in six outings while giving up 14 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings.
He never has been overpowering with a fastball that rarely touches 90 mph, but he has shown an ability to throw strikes and uses four pitches. Also, Villanueva has made only one trip to the disabled list, in 2011, in nine big-league seasons.
Who knows, perhaps he will turn out to do what Pat Neshek did last season after signing a minor-league contract around this time of year. With the right-hand side of the bullpen already set, though, Villanueva is more likely to begin the season in the minors.
The rest of the non-roster invitees the Cardinals announced will be in Jupiter:
Pitchers: Tim Cooney, John Gast, Mitch Harris, Marcus Hatley, Dean Kiekhefer, Mike Mayers, Zach Petrick, Miguel Socolovich, Carlos Villanueva.
Catchers: Steve Bean, Carson Kelly, Alberto Rosario, Travis Tartamella.
Infielders: Scott Moore, Breyvic Valera, Jacob Wilson.
Outfielders: Rafael Ortega, Stephen Piscotty.
The Cardinals added to their catching depth on Tuesday by acquiring Michael Ohlman from the Orioles for cash considerations. Ohlman, 24, spent last season at Class AA Bowie, hitting .235, and figures to start this season in Class A Palm Beach or Class AA Springfield.
You can follow Stan McNeal on Twitter at @StanMcNeal or email him at stanmcneal@gmail.com.
