GM on Peralta: Cardinals not 'morale police'

The St. Louis Cardinals factored in Jhonny Peralta's drug suspension when they negotiated a four-year deal worth more than $50 million with the free agent shortstop.

General manager John Mozeliak said Monday that Peralta had admitted wrongdoing and served his penalty, and that the Cardinals weren't about to appoint themselves ''morale police.'' Mozeliak said the club was confident this was an isolated circumstance.

The 31-year-old Peralta was suspended for 50 games last summer following Major League Baseball's investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic, which was accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.

He underwent a physical on Sunday but did not attend the introductory news conference.

St. Louis also explored a trade but wasn't willing to part with several prospects.