The "underdog syndrome" has been placed upon the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2016 season. Once again, as in last season's predictions, barely breaking the 90 mark in wins. And by some reports, only one game ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and seven games 'behind' the Chicago Cubs in the MLB NL Central division this coming season.
Last season, after "Ace" Adam Wainwright went down, out for the season due to Achilles surgery, many placed the Cardinals at a maximum 85-88 wins. St. Louis blew that summation out of the water, even with additional key players added to the DL, finished with 100 wins and taking the championship title in their division.
This season, much speculation regarding the impact of the "older core" Cardinals - SP Adam Wainwright, LF Matt Holliday and C Yadier Molina - will have on the season. I say, hands down, all three will be determined to show the MLB world they certainly are not finished yet. And, I will add SS Jhonny Peralta to this list, since he, too, is the same age as 33 year old Molina.
A "paper trail" does provide 'insight' of what may be, which fueled the creation of "Fantasy Sports". Fantasy by definition: "the faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable."
A great article by Steven McNeil, Fansided, RedbirdRants.com compared all the hype "paper trail" surrounding the Carolina Panthers in our very recent Super Bowl 50. The Denver Broncos were not expected to even make a showing. However, we witnessed the Broncos stifling the Panthers in their victory.
One does not hold a crystal ball. 'Faith and Belief' are two big words when it comes to sports. That mindset among great team members accomplishes great feats.
With Wainwright, Holliday and Molina to be back, healthy and ready to play, along with the younger players wanting to make a name for themselves as the future of Cardinals Nation, I see a very strong team that will surprise many. Along, with Peralta in the mix the determination, commitment, confidence and tenacity will hit the field.
As mentioned in the article, a feeling of concern still lies at 1B for the Cardinals, with Matt Adams (returning from a season-out injury in 2015) and Brandon Moss to cover the #3 spot in the infield. There will be a competitiveness between both players to see their numbers rise. Maybe not "50 HR and 150 RBI", but certainly "30 HR/100 RBI" would not be too much to expect from the twosome. However, should they not produce as expected, the Cardinals do have time to address the issue.
In view of the upcoming season for our Cardinals, I believe in our team. I believe in their capability to do well. And, I have faith in them as a strong collective unit.
In my opinion, being the "underdog" is not all bad. Relieves pressure to play like they have nothing to lose, which the Cubs know that sentiment very well. Even though, the 'young core' of the Cubs have a new pressure placed upon them right out of the gate ... by every team they will face. And, will their "older" rotation be able to sustain them.
Competition will be tough all around the MLB. That is what makes baseball so great. Will the Cubs be able to live up to the hype?
Just my own personal note and reminder, the Panthers found it was a tough haul handed to them in the end.
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