Cardinals intent on improving, not chasing champion Cubs (Yahoo Sports)

A month before spring training, the St. Louis Cardinals already have plenty of motivation - they're focused on returning to the playoffs, rather than trying to overtake the rival Chicago Cubs. In fact, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak really wants to avoid any notion that the Cubs winning the World Series is the driving force behind the St. Louis push to improve after missing the postseason for the first time since 2010. While St. Louis might not say it's directly chasing the Cubs, it certainly added a key component from its rival in the offseason with the signing of outfielder Dexter Fowler.