ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals hired John Mozeliak as their new general manager Wednesday, promoting him to replace the fired Walt Jocketty.

The 38-year-old Mozeliak was the Cardinals' assistant GM for the last five years. He got a three-year contract.

Mozeliak has been with the organization more than a dozen years and served as interim GM after Jocketty was dismissed on Oct. 3.

''I can tell you I was extremely impressed with what he got done,'' team president Mark Lamping said. ''We didn't miss a step, we took a step forward.''

While interim GM, Mozeliak picked up an $8 million option on closer Jason Isringhausen, re-signed starter Joel Pineiro to a two-year, $13 million deal, and re-signed reliever Russ Springer to a one-year, $3.5 million deal.

''Mo has been instrumental in our success this decade,'' Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. ''He brings a great deal of strength to all areas of our operation.''

Mozeliak said he's already working to make the Cardinals stronger for 2008.

''Everyone knows the landscape's changing at the major league level, and we have to adapt,'' Mozeliak said.

The hiring signified a stay-the-course stance for the Cardinals, coming off a disappointing 78-win season a year after winning the World Series. Tony La Russa returned as manager for a 13th season with a two-year deal nine days ago.

The Cardinals interviewed three other assistant general managers: Chris Antonetti of the Indians, Peter Woodfork of the Diamondbacks and Rick Hahn of the Rockies. Also interviewed was Jon Weil, manager of minor leagues for the Rockies.

Antonetti was the other finalist.

''I am very fortunate to be in a great personal and professional situation in Cleveland,'' Antonetti said. ''I feel privileged to have been considered for the opportunity in St. Louis.''