St. Louis Cardinals 2015 Season

ibdmainman said:

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-are-older-but-are-they-too-old/article_172db32e-fc94-5c97-b130-22440df57393.html

Another interesting read about the Cardinals and their veteran core. I've been trying to figure out why this team makes me so nervous this off season. The conclusion I've reached is that it's the combination of team dynamics of the position players. When you look at the team, there are several players you can argue are likely past their prime and may be approaching decline (Matt H., Peralta, Yadi), and several youngsters who you hope can reach their potential (Grichuk, Wong, Piscotty, Matt A.). At the end of the day, the only position player in their prime is Matty Carp. I hope I'm wrong, but I really would have liked for the Cards to have added Alex Gordon or Justin Upton versus playing it straight.

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ibdmainman said:

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/base...cle_172db32e-fc94-5c97-b130-22440df57393.html

Another interesting read about the Cardinals and their veteran core. I've been trying to figure out why this team makes me so nervous this off season. The conclusion I've reached is that it's the combination of team dynamics of the position players. When you look at the team, there are several players you can argue are likely past their prime and may be approaching decline (Matt H., Peralta, Yadi), and several youngsters who you hope can reach their potential (Grichuk, Wong, Piscotty, Matt A.). At the end of the day, the only position player in their prime is Matty Carp. I hope I'm wrong, but I really would have liked for the Cards to have added Alex Gordon or Justin Upton versus playing it straight.

Click to expand...

Illwinsagain said:

I was wondering why I was nervous, and then thought about the following;

Most of the line-up had numbers below their career numbers last year, injuries were off the charts and the team still managed 100 wins. This year, we replace Lackey with Wainwright and Lynn with Leake. And the rest of the rotation has another year of experience.

I felt better.

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ibdmainman said:

Judging by your screen name, it's obvious that you're an optimist!!!

Honestly, I agree with most of what you say. I think the Cards pitching should be as good as last year (although the starters' numbers will be hard to match), and the bench should be better. The concern is the offense of the starters, and that concern may get stronger as the season proceeds. Of course, if the "kids" play to their potential, most of the concern goes away.

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