This Team Will Make the 2022 World Series (I Dare You to Disagree)
The St. Louis Cardinals celebrating their 16th straight win on their historic win streak, via “MLB.com”
The St. Louis Cardinals are destined for a BIG run
On September 1st, 2011, the Cardinals had a 4.3% chance to make the postseason. They made the World Series and beat the Texas Rangers in 7 games to capture the franchise’s 11th world championship. Last year, the team had only a 2.6% chance entering the final month. They went 20-6 that month to capture the second wild card spot, which featured a historic 17 game winning streak. Every year it seems like we see the Cardinals have a sneaky talented team that no one even talks about. They always dominate down the stretch while finding ways to win, but the 2022 St. Louis Cardinals are looking to be the best Cardinals team we’ve seen in awhile.
Tyler O’Neill blasting a home run via “FanSided”
The rising star in Tyler O’Neill
Tyler O’Neill burst onto the scene in 2021, slashing a 145 wRC+, .384 wOBA, .560 slugging %, .286 batting average, and 34 home runs. Tyler is already my NL MVP pick for 2022. There’s so much to love about this guy, and he’s easily one of my favorite players right now. Tyler is becoming one of the most explosive five tool players in the game. Watching him on defense is a beauty. Mix that in with his elite base running, speed, and offensive production, O’Neill is the perfect leader for a contending team. The only big flaw that comes is he can tend to be a liability on putting the ball in play, striking out in 30.1% of his at bats last season. Those come with big time power hitters, but he was still able to hit for a near .300 average. I believe O’Neill can cut that number down this season and take efficient at bats consistently. If he does this, there will be nothing but positive results for him and the Cardinals.
Trevor Story celebrating after a win, via “Sports Illustrated”
The Remaining Offseason Plans
St. Louis is bound to make a big move soon. The lockout could be coming to an end very soon, and many big name free agents still remain on the market. I expect the Cardinals to be adding a shortstop and a starting pitcher. Trevor Story is still on the market. Him coming to St. Louis makes sense, a little too much sense. Story would be reuniting with his former infield partner, Nolan Arenado. The Cardinals need a new shortstop, Paul DeJong is not the long term answer, although he could still be balanced in the lineup with the new universal DH. But they have money to spend on Story. If you’re Trevor Story and are offered a good chunk of money to play with a contender, along with your old teammate, would you take the deal? Absolutely I would. If this move happens, the Cardinals might bring out the best infield in baseball each night. Along with Story, I think there’s a good chance that they bring in a starting pitcher. Having an extra arm to bolster that rotation that already features Adam Wainwright and Jack Flaherty would be a great pickup. A notable arm still on the market is Carlos Rodon. St. Louis doesn’t have that go to lefty in the rotation, Rodon would do just that. Coming off of an All-Star campaign, Carlos would be the perfect pitcher to add to a contending team.
Harrison Bader making an unreal grab, via “Belleville News-Democrat”
The Defense
The Cardinals are that “Legion of Boom,” or “No Fly Zone,” defense of the MLB. Not enough people realize just how elite this defense is. The infield features a perfect veteran catcher in Yadier Molina, one of the best defensive catchers in MLB history. The corner infield duo of Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado is the best in baseball. Baseball fans have been caught up in advanced analytics and somehow have kept Arenado out of their top 5 third baseman, not considering him an elite defender anymore. It’s ridiculous. Nolan Arenado is the most athletic and versatile defender I’ve seen in my 10 years of watching baseball. But this infield doesn’t just feature those two, Tommy Edman at second base is also one of the best defensive players at his position. The outfield, patrolled by Tyler O’Neill and Harrison Bader — again some of the best defenders in baseball. This team played better defensively than any team in baseball. As a Dodger fan, watching that NL Wild Card Game last year gave me a headache through the early innings. No matter where the Dodgers hit the ball, one of those St. Louis defenders would be there to stop it.
Cardinals win the 2011 World Series, via “Viva El Birdos”
Why they will go on a Postseason Run
This is the most balanced team in baseball. If a 5 tool player was demonstrated as a team, I would easily give it to the Cardinals. They hit for power and contact. They play elite defense. Finally, they have speed guys. Players who when they get on base become a threat to get into scoring position and rattle the pitcher. Playoff baseball is all about who can play small ball, get the big time home runs, and have efficient pitching. This lineup is so balanced with all of those factors. I don’t necessarily see them finishing with the NL’s top record. However, I see them winning the NL Central.
If this team can get into the postseason, I expect them to be able to go on a huge run. The 2022 season should be an enjoyable year for Cardinals fans, and I look forward to seeing them succeed.
