“What A Team…What A Ride…”

So, I know there have already been other articles about the end of the Cardinals’ saddening loss. So bare with me.

Here we are, Cardinal Nation. The offseason is upon us after a long, hard-fought season. As Joe Buck said when we won the World Series in 2011, “What a team…What a ride”. This year, even though we didn’t win the World Series, Cardinal Nation has been spoiled yet once again. And I mean that in a very good way.

This year, the Cardinals started off very strong. We were not only first place in the National League for a long time, we were also first place in the entire MLB for the longest time. If you aren’t impressed with that, then I’d say you’re very stubborn.

Mike Matheny said something along the lines of us being a very different team compared to the other teams in the MLB for this very reason. We don’t buy talent, we raise talent. Having a team with all of these young rookie prospects, this only means that we have an even brighter future. These guys say that they want to stay with the Cardinals. If they stick with us, and if our veterans will teach these young guys what they know, this team will be unstoppable. Take my word for it, Cardinal Nation!

This season has had its up’s and down’s. Mistakes were made. Poor decisions were made. But hey, that’s all in the past. In the end, look where we ended up. St. Louis is so lucky to have such a great team that is very dedicated to what they do. No, they didn’t have the best World Series, that’s clear as air. Although, if you look back at all they did, I would hope you’re beyond proud of them. Our young guys have proven themselves a Cardinal. You think that they were good THIS year? Wait until they start learning more. Just picture it, Cardinal Nation. Our future is very bright.

Now, on to the players that shined this year. First off, Molina and Wainwright. Gold Glove winners. They really did deserve those awards.

Yadi has done spectacular this season. Not only for his defensive skills, but his offense has grown tremendously this year. With 80 RBI’s and 12 homeruns, we can all tell that his offense is starting to shine brighter than ever. Not only is he a great hitter, he is an amazing catcher (and the sky is blue). This year, he caught 20 batters total stealing. You don’t run on Yadi, guys! With him on the DL for a while, he started 128 games this season. Even though he missed more games than usual, 128 games started is one of the most in the MLB.

Adam Wainwright did a great job this year. This season, Adam went 19-9 with 219 strikeouts, a small number of 35 walked batters, and an ERA of 2.94. That very much so deserves a Gold Glove. Well done, Waino!

One other player that stood out to me the most is Mr. RISP himself, Allen Craig. They call him Mr. RISP for a reason! This season, Craig ended off with 97 RBI’s, 13 homeruns, and 160 hits. The guy is very dangerous when we have runners in scoring position. I also give props to this guy for his attitude. In early September, Allen injured his ankle on a routine single, rounding first base. He was on the DL for quite a while. Most of Cardinal Nation thought that he was done for the season. Guess who showed up in the World Series hitting again? That’s right. Allen Craig. The guy is a straight up warrior.

I could go on and on about all of these players’ talents and what they do to make this team define our Cardinal Way. The pitching, the offense, the defense…It’s all there!

Quick thing before I’m done, Cardinal Nation, don’t be upset about Wacha giving up those runs, and don’t hate on him so much. He is one of the reasons why the Cardinals got so far. The guy did a great job this Postseason. Give him some credit, would ya?! Thanks.

Cardinal Nation, it’s been a fun season to watch. And my golly, isn’t it fun to be a Cardinals fan? No, we didn’t win it all. But hey, we had one heck of a run. Here’s to an even better season next year. Who knows what Matheny and the Cardinals have in store for us next season.

Thanks for reading, and I hope everyone survives the offseason! Until next time!

Keep flying, Cardinal Nation.

Carly Schaber

Twitter: @Carly_Schaber