Fansided

Each MLB team’s season success or failure?

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson shows off the Commissioners Trophy to fans after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals win the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson shows off the Commissioners Trophy to fans after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals win the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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St. Louis Cardinals

Aug 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward (22) reacts after scoring a run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward (22) reacts after scoring a run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

100-62, NL Central champions, lost in NLDS

Another year, another postseason appearance for the Cardinals, who continue to be arguably the most well-run franchise in the Majors. Despite losing a number of key players for long periods of time, the Cardinals were able to lead baseball’s best division from April 16 onward and win 100 games.

Even after losing Adam Wainwright early on, St. Louis featured the best rotation in the Majors. The Cardinals posted a 2.94 ERA per FanGraphs, the lowest mark since the 1988 Mets, as John Lackey, Carlos Martinez and Jaime Garcia all put together great seasons.

More injuries continued to limit the Cardinals’ offense in the regular season, as Matt Holliday and Matt Adams both missed over half the season. Still, St Louis’ depth paid off, as just about every replacement came up and produced, including a great rookie campaign at the plate from highly touted prospect Stephen Piscotty.

All of those injuries would catch up to St. Louis in its NLDS loss to the Cubs, with Martinez being possibly the most significant. Still, expect the Cardinals to contend for their sixth straight playoff appearance in 2016, particularity if they can lock up free agent Jason Heyward long-term.

Success. While deeper playoff runs are the norm in St. Louis, the Cardinals should consider 100 wins a success with all the injuries they had to get past this season.

Next: Tampa Bay Rays

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