MLB Preview: Cardinals Go All In
The Saint Louis Cardinals are ripe in baseball tradition. After a disappointing shortened season during the pandemic, the Cardinals gear up to go on a World Series run to add another Championship under their belt. The Cardinals boast the second most World Series Championships in the league trailing only the Yankees while spending a considerable amount less to win them. However, in a surprise move, the Cardinals made a big splash in the offseason and opened up their checkbook as the Cardinals are in win now mode.
Offseason Moves
The Cardinals made one of the biggest splashes in the league this offseason by trading for a 29-year-old third baseman and 8x Golden Glove winner Nolan Arenado in the midst of his prime. A trade that signaled that the Cardinals are serious about contending for a title this season. Arenado provides extra firepower to compliment Goldschmidt and Carpenter.
Not only did the Cardinals add newcomer Arenado, but they also bring back some classic veterans who have World Series experience. Pitcher Adam Wainright comes back on a one-year deal worth 8 million dollars. Some say this aging veteran is washed but Wainright has proved to be valuable when starting at home. Not only does he play well at Busch Stadium, but he also provides a mentoring service to the young pitchers such as Hudson, Flaherty, and Martinez who have all shown signs of excellence.
After speculation that future Hall of Famer Yadier Molina may sign elsewhere due to differences in dollar figures between himself and management, it’s no surprise that Molina wants to stay a Cardinal leading to both sides hammering out a deal to keep him in St. Louis. Molina signed a one-year deal worth 9 million dollars. Like Wainright, there was an argument to be made for letting him walk, however, Molina is still very effective as a catcher and can still frame a pitch with the best of them. Like Wainright, he will provide mentoring to the next Cardinal catcher who will take up the mantle when he retires. Needless to say, fans are thrilled Molina and Wainright are coming back to dawn Cardinal red and give it their all once more.
This offseason, fans had to day goodbye to Dexter Fowler who signed with the Cardinals after winning a World Series with the Cubs and was traded to the Angels for essentially cash considerations. Although Fowler is still a decent player, he underperformed to fan and management expectations. The main take away from this trade is the emergence of outfield prospect Dylan Carlson who played 35 games while averaging .200/.252/.364. Management expects big things for the 22-year-old who can play all three outfield positions. The Cardinals are notorious for chruning out players from their farm league and indications suggest he will be the next one to make an impact.
Season Projections
The Cardinals were bounced by the San Diego Padres 2-1 last year in the NL Wild Card Series. The Cardinals underperformed compared to the season before after making it the NL Divisional Round that saw a sweep by Nationals, who went on to win the World Series that year.
Their current lineup is vastly better than the previous two years. Their pitching is far from the best in league but definitely not the worst. Their pitching has the upside to steal games, especially against strong opponents if their hitting is slumping. On the flip side, their hitting suggests that they can also make up for poor pitching performances by hammering the ball.
When it comes to the MLB playoffs, the best team on paper never usually wins. It’s about who can get hot at the right time, just their like 2019-2020 run. If their pitching is pinpoint and they are slugging the ball, this team team could easily get hot enough to win the World Series. I project this team to finish 90-72 in the regular season and make it to the playoffs and get hot enough to make it NLCS. The Cardinals have the playoff magic in the past and this season could be magical as the players try and add another Championship to their veterans resume. Red October incoming.
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