The cream of the crop in the National League Central division has been the St. Louis Cardinals since 2000 having earned 9 division titles and 12 postseason berths.
That success is the biggest reason why the Cardinals enter the 2017 season not ready to throw in the towel.
While all of baseball has talked about the Chicago Cubs during this spring as they prepare to defend their first World Series title in 108 years, St. Louis has quietly prepared to return to the postseason after failing to reach the playoffs last season snapping a streak dating back to 2010.
Last season’s team was besieged with injuries from the beginning of the season, particularly its starting rotation. The Cards saw their team ERA jump from the best in the NL of 2.94 in 2015 to 4.08 during 2016.
There has been a setback already this season as Alex Reyes a promising rookie was lost for the entire season after undergoing elbow surgery.
However, there are new faces together with familiar ones that have recovered from their own injuries. Lance Lynn a right-hander is one of those that have made a recovery. He missed all of the 2016 season after having elbow surgery.
In 2015, Lynn, who is now 29, was 12-11 and had an ERA of 3.03. He appears to be both healthy and set to reclaim a starting rotation spot.
Amongst the Cardinals new faces none is more hyped that Dexter Fowler their new center fielder. The Cardinals new leadoff hitter was the clubhouse leader and leadoff hitter last season for the Cubs.
He is expected to give the Cardinals a shot of enthusiasm and his speed will add something to the offensive attack.
While Lynn returning will help the rotation for St. Louis, the role of ace is Carlos Martinez who last season was 16-9 with an ERA of 3.04. He is set to start the opener on Sunday against none other than the Cubs.
Michael Wacha a right-hander struggled due to shoulder problems last season but had a strong spring. In 2015 Wacha was 17-7 with an ERA of 3.38.
Brett Cecil a free agent southpaw reliever signed with the Cardinals after leaving Toronto.
While the arrival of Reyes will be delayed on year, another rookie Luke Weaver a right-hander compiled an ERA of 1.30 in 87 innings last season in the minors.
Watch out Cubs, the Cardinals look like they could give the World Champs a run for their money in 2017.
