Cards rework Spring Training plan to get more athletic

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — While the Cardinals are unlikely to distinguish themselves as among the offseason’s most active, the organization remains persistent with its intent to shift its on-field identity once again.

They’ve done that with unintended regularity in recent seasons, going from a team that had historic success with runners in scoring position in 2013, to a club that rode the strength of its pitching staff in 2015, to one that compensated for defensive deficiencies by riding the long ball in 2016.

The desire now is to trend more athletic.

It’s through that lens that the Cardinals will continue their work this offseason, but also one that will alter what’s already in place.

Manager Mike Matheny acknowledged forthcoming changes to the organization’s Spring Training and in-season work. The Cardinals believe those tweaks will address the fundamental lapses that held the club back in 2016. They’ll also explore ways in which to maximize freshness and efficiency of work.

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“We’re going right back to the drawing board when it comes down to the basics of baserunning, when it comes down …

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