Matheny angered by Heyward's remarks about Cardinals
The National League Central rivalry between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs is already heating up ahead of the 2016 season, thanks to Jason Heyward.
The outfielder, who inked an eight-year, $184-million deal with the Cubs earlier this month, has angered his former manager in St. Louis, Mike Matheny, with his recent comments regarding the Cardinals' aging core of players.
Related: Heyward hints Cardinals' window to win closing
Heyward spoke about his decision to join a young, up-and-coming Cubs squad over staying in St. Louis at his introductory presser with the Cubs, and questioned how much longer aging veterans Matt Holliday, Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, and others would remain with the Cardinals.
"I don't think it's going to ring too well with our club," Matheny told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Rick Hummel. "I told Jason this before. I've got a lot of respect for Jason as a person. He's got to make the decisions he's going to have to live with. If that (core group comparison) is a big deal to him, he's just being honest with people."
Heyward certainly was forthcoming with his feelings about signing a long-term pact with St. Louis, stating he was concerned the club would have a completely different look in three-to-four years.
"I don't think we have anything to apologize for in having a group like a Holliday, a Molina, a Wainwright. Those are the kinds of guys everybody wants on a club," Matheny said. "I see where he's coming from. I mean, look at what Chicago's done. It's very unique in this game - to have that many impact players at that young age. And he's a young player. But I can't say I'm in any kind of agreement with that (Chicago) core being better than any kind of core we have."
Chicago's young group, led by reigning Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant and stud first baseman Anthony Rizzo, has been reinforced by the addition of the 26-year-old Heyward, who isn't getting any sympathy from Matheny moving forward.
"I don't blame him. But I don't like it. I thought we created a really good atmosphere and he had to weigh what was most important to him," Matheny added. "We made a terrific offer. With all that being said, it comes down to what does a guy want? (Staying in St. Louis) just wasn't what he was looking for."
Heyward was acquired by the Cardinals in a fall 2014 trade with the Atlanta Braves, and earned Gold Glove honors for his spectacular defensive play in right field for St. Louis last season.