50 best MLB teams that didn’t win the World Series
32. . 100-62. Lost in NLCS. 2005 St. Louis Cardinals. 14. player
One year after losing in the World Series to the Boston Red Sox, the 2005 St. Louis Cardinals won 100 games, which gave them an 11-game cushion in the National League Central over the second place Houston Astros. However, after sweeping San Diego in three games in the Division Series, the Cardinals watched the Astros celebrate the NL pennant at Busch Stadium after beating St. Louis 5-1 in Game 6 of the NLCS.
The Cardinals were led by Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter, who went 21-5 with a 2.83 ERA in 33 starts, including a Major League-leading seven complete games, four of which were shutouts. The 30-year old right-hander struck out 213 hitters in 241.2 innings. Newcomer Mark Mulder, whom the team acquired in the off-season from the Oakland A’s, was 16-8 with a 3.64 ERA, and All-Star closer Jason Isringhausen posted a 2.14 ERA with 39 saves.
Albert Pujols won his first MVP Award, posting a .330/.430/.609 slash with 41 home runs and 117 RBI. He also scored 129 runs, marking the third consecutive season in which he led the NL in that category. The club’s other offensive stars included veteran outfielders Jim Edmonds (29 HR, 89 RBI), Reggie Sanders (21 HR, 54 RBI), and Larry Walker (15 HR, 52 RBI), as well as spark plug infielder David Eckstein and 22-year old catcher Yadier Molina.
However, as well-balanced as the St. Louis roster was, and as much individual success as the Cardinals’ players had in 2005, a loss to the Astros in the NLCS meant they wouldn’t have a chance for revenge in the Fall Classic.
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