Well Cardinal Nation, thirty-five more days until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training. In other words, thirty-five more days until Christmas number two.
The Cardinals’ organization has been having a pretty exciting off-season so far. St. Louis’ very own David Freese will join Albert Pujols in the Angels organization. Also, our beloved Carlos Beltran is moved away to the Yankees. Is it for the best? How will it affect our club?
Carlos Beltran, thirty-six year old veteran, made a huge impact the past two years with the Cardinals. In the 2013 season, Beltran especially made a great impact on our club. Last season, Carlos finished off with a .296 batting average, twenty-four home runs, and eighty-four RBI’s. Beltran was a true leader to the club, from giving somebody advice offensively, and defensively. It is obvious that everyone had to learn at least a little something from Beltran, and his leadership to the club.
David Freese was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, and in return, the Cardinals received twenty-six year old center fielder Peter Bourjos. Last season, Bourjos hit three home runs and twelve RBI’s, with a .274 batting average. Above all, Bourjos had a 0.18 WAR in the 2013 season. Him and Jon Jay will make a great duo with their speed in center field.
Lastly, the Cardinals received Dodgers infielder Mark Ellis with a 2013 .270 batting average and a 3.0 WAR.
We can probably all admit that our young players, specifically pitchers, will make this upcoming season just that much more exciting. With rumors saying that Chris Carpenter will be sticking with the Cardinals’ organization after retirement, he shall continue to teach the rookies his pitching ways. Also, Ace Adam Wainwright will also continue to teach his secrets. If our pitchers work very hard at Spring Training, and improve throughout the 2014 season, our pitching staff will be unstoppable, just in time for playoffs.
I had a chance to meet Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak about a month ago. Getting a minute to talk with him, I could definitely tell that he was excited for this upcoming season.
In March, I will have a chance to head on down to Jupiter, Florida to catch a few games for Spring Training. I’m excited to see a preview of what our beloved Cardinals will have in store for us this upcoming 2014 season. Our rookies will grow into great prospects. With leaders like Yadier Molina, Adam Wainright, and many other Cardinals legends, our young guys will learn a lot from our current leaders.
Also, with Matheny leading us deep into the playoffs during his first two years of managing, who knows how far he will take us this year. Yes, we all know we are guilty of questioning his managing ways. But hey, look where he has taken us into leading this team. I learned my lesson, that what he does may be for the best for this team.
Take a deep breath, Cardinal Nation. Opening day is in our reach. Before we know it, we will have the feeling of walking into the stadium, ready for a Cardinal win. It seems that I daydream of it every single day!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Off season sucks! But buckle up, Cardinal Nation. I know that our Cardinals have a lot in store for us. Here’s to 12 in 14!
Keep flying, Cardinal Nation.
Carly Schaber
Twitter: @Carly_Schaber
Photo credit: http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Yadier+Molina/St+Louis+Cardinals+Spring+Training+Workout/QsgT1Wvni6Z
