November 10, 200421 yr Jocketty named executive of year Cardinals GM claims honor from Sporting News By Matthew Leach / MLB.com Every player on the Cardinals was acquired under general manager Walt Jocketty's watch. (James A. Finley/AP) ST. LOUIS -- The story has been told so many times that every baseball fan knows the words: roundly predicted to finish third in their division, the Cardinals ran away from the rest of the National League, won 105 games and brought home the franchise's first pennant since 1987. It took a fine performance from a deep starting rotation, powerful production from the league's most prolific lineup, nearly daily contributions from a potent bullpen and steady showings from an outstanding defense. But don't forget... somebody actually had to put this team together. That somebody was general manager Walt Jocketty, and he was recognized for his efforts on Monday night. At the general managers' meetings in Florida, Jocketty was named the Sporting News Executive of the Year, as voted on by 60 Major League executives. Jocketty received 20 of the 60 first-place votes, followed by Braves general manager John Schuerholz (17) and Twins GM Terry Ryan (12). Coming off a disappointing 2003 campaign, Jocketty made a series of shrewd moves that positioned his team for its amazing season. At the Winter Meetings in New Orleans in December, he and Schuerholz pulled off the weekend's biggest trade, with Jason Marquis, Ray King and prospect Adam Wainwright coming to St. Louis in exchange for J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero. Marquis had a career year and King added depth and talent to a much-improved bullpen, while the nearly $5 million that the Cards saved allowed them to fill some other holes. With that money, Jocketty brought in Reggie Sanders to play the outfield and Jeff Suppan to shore up the rotation. Suppan led the team in wins, while Sanders turned in a 20-20 season. Even the seemingly inconsequential moves paid off. A Spring Training trade for Tony Womack brought an everyday leadoff man and second baseman as Womack joined Marquis in the career-year category. Minor league contracts offered to former Cards John Mabry and Ray Lankford worked out well, as Mabry was the team's best hitter off the bench, while Lankford was the Opening Day starter in left field. Jocketty capped it off with one of his patented midseason trades, this one coming after the non-waiver deadline. In exchange for three minor league pitchers, the Cards acquired former MVP and batting champion Admin Walker from Colorado. Walker slotted perfectly into the No. 2 spot in the batting order and made an already ferocious offense even better. "The Executive of the Year award is a testament to Walt's ability to assess talent and to work with Tony [La Russa, manager] to put players in the best position to succeed," said John Rawlings, the editorial director of The Sporting News. Matthew Leach is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
November 10, 200421 yr Way to go Walter.. His biggest challenge to this date though is this off-season.. Will Renteria Resign? Will Mike Matheny be back? Will he acquire Randy Johnson? What big pitcher is he gonna go after? You get my point.. Congrats Jocketty
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.