Sorry, St Louis Cardinals fans.  Your season did not have a story book ending.  Despite winning the Central Division, they were defeated by the Philadelphia Phillies.  Could only muster 3 total runs in the two games.  They may be losing Pujols, Molina and Wainwright to retirement.  So the pitching and battery will look a lot different next season.

St. Louis made the playoffs with fourth-best overall ERA in the National League (3.79), featuring a relievers’ ERA of 3.61 (fourth best) and a starters’ ERA of 3.92 (ninth best). That is not bad.  By all accounts the team should return Montgomery, Matz, Mikolas, and Flaherty.   I expect Adam to call it a career. I mean could you see him pitching to anyone else but Molina?

They could try and sign Jose Quintana as a free agent.  He pitched well for them in his time there and I think he got pulled too early in Friday nights game.  There will be a few more big name free agents that may cost a lot more, but also would secure a front of the line starter.  Jacob DeGrom may be on the market, Carlos Rodon, or even Justin Verlander or  Nathan Eovaldi. They could stay in house.  For the No. 5 spot, there are five (and perhaps more) guys who could vie for the job — Dakota Hudson, Matthew Liberatore, Zack Thompson, Jake Woodford and ... remember Alex Reyes?

Whatever they decide, this organization will look a little different, but this team has proved year after year they know how to build a team, respect their veterans, attract some big name free agents and not overpay. I still expect them to win the division next season.  You can click HERE for an article from Benjamin Hochman who writes for the St Louis Post Dispatch who share his thoughts.

Thank you for another solid season, and it was nice to see the tributes to Wainwright, Molina, and Albert.  They will be missed next season.

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