A couple of weeks ago, general manager John Mozeliak had not been optimistic about acquiring an impact hitter, but this was before Taveras was killed in a car crash.

Mozeliak had pointed out that many teams were chasing offense. “Historically, if that’s what is driving the market we tend not to win those battles,” said Mozeliak. “But, you know, we’ll see.”

On Monday, Mozeliak said in an email, “With regard to the free agent market we will look at all different areas where we can possibly improve. We will definitely have conversations with many different agents. The next few weeks should be busy touching base with players and teams”

The Cardinals have five free agents of their own but are unlikely to sign all of them. They are relievers Pat Neshek and Jason Motte, former Cleveland righthander Justin Masterson, second baseman Mark Ellis and catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

Neshek, who is hoping to get closer’s money somewhere, was 7-2 with a 1.87 ERA, striking out 68 and walking nine.

Motte was 1-0 with a 4.68 ERA in 29 games.

Masterson was 3-3 with a 7.04 ERA after coming from Cleveland in July. Ellis, often hurt, batted just .180, and Pierzynski, picked up after Boston trimmed him, batted .244 with one homer for the Cardinals.