"On his morning flight home from the winter meetings on Thursday, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak surveyed the new landscape of his team and saw an opportunity where most will only see a vacancy.

Life without Albert Pujols is not up in the air.

It is, however, a chance to chart a new direction.

"It really is," Mozeliak said hours after the three-time MVP had informed the Cardinals he would be accepting a 10-year, $254 million deal from the Los Angeles Angels. "I was like, 'Wow, it does create some flexibility for the organization.' We knew that was a possibility, and that's what we'll try to do."

In the wake of Pujols' departure, the Cardinals have immediate needs but also unexpected long-term elasticity. While they'll look for a shortstop or second baseman and probably an outfielder to fill openings in the 2012 lineup, the Cardinals now have the possibility of seeking another core player in the year or two to come. The Cardinals' payroll won't be stretched to cover the five years and $85 million remaining on Matt Holliday's contract and the heavier weight of nine years and more than $200 million for Pujols. Mozeliak has room to work.

There new elasticity presents an opening to pursue a cornerstone player and clear a spot for Adam Wainwright two years from now should he be positioned for a windfall as a free agent.

The more pressing considerations will be how to fill the openings for next season. Mozeliak said he has talked with Lance Berkman, who will shift to first base and be the Cardinals' everyday player there. Allen Craig, who had a breakout postseason, is positioned to be the everyday right fielder once he returns from recent knee surgery. Mozeliak acknowledged that Craig could miss the first month or two of the regular season and a "bridge" would be needed.

Mozeliak said the obvious place to shop is the free-agent market.

"My preference would be through free agency if we could because I think our farm system is in such great shape," Mozeliak said. "It's strong. I'd hate to really deplete that, but we will explore some trade opportunities between now and February.""