The St. Louis Cardinals factored in Jhonny Peralta's recent performance-enhancing drug suspension when they negotiated a four-year, $50 million deal with the shortstop.

John Mozeliak said Peralta admitted wrongdoing and served his penalty and that the Cardinals weren't about to appoint themselves morality "police."

"Character and makeup are something we weigh into our decision-making," Mozeliak said. "In his case, he admitted what he did, he took responsibility for it.

"I feel like he has paid for his mistakes, and obviously if he were to make another one, then it would be a huge disappointment."