Just when you think the St. Louis Cardinals are going to be falling in to a season of underachieving, they seem to always make a move that boosts them right back to a playoff favorite in the National League. That move took place on Wednesday night, as they acquired first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cardinals sent pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, and infielder Andy Young the other way in the deal. The Diamondbacks also get a Round B draft pick a part of the package, which could be a sign of them going in a different direction, out of contention for at least next season.
The 31-year-old slugger overcame a slow start last season to bat .290 with 33 home runs and 83 RBIs, which went along with 35 doubles and 90 walks. His .920 OPS was third in the National League, and his highest mark since recording a .934 OPS in the 2012 season. That was second that year to only Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cardinals are coming off a strange year that saw them contend for a Postseason spot after changing managers mid-season. After firing Mike Mathey, Mike Shildt took over and did such a good job with the team that they made him their permanent head man. The Cardinals have gone three seasons without a Postseason spot, which is their longest such drought since being left out October contention from 1997-1999.
They do still have Matt Carpenter, Marcell Ozuna, and Yadier Molina in the middle of their lineup, making for a threatening middle of the order for the Red-Birds. They finished last season at 88-74, and they have Goldschmidt for at least next season. He will earn $14.5 million this season before becoming a free agent, that is if the Cardinals don't lock him in before next winter. The slugger has finished in the top three of the NL MVP voting three times, and what's even better for Cardinals' fans is his 1.170 OPS over 43 career games against the Chicago Cubs.
The 31-year-old slugger overcame a slow start last season to bat .290 with 33 home runs and 83 RBIs, which went along with 35 doubles and 90 walks. His .920 OPS was third in the National League, and his highest mark since recording a .934 OPS in the 2012 season. That was second that year to only Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cardinals are coming off a strange year that saw them contend for a Postseason spot after changing managers mid-season. After firing Mike Mathey, Mike Shildt took over and did such a good job with the team that they made him their permanent head man. The Cardinals have gone three seasons without a Postseason spot, which is their longest such drought since being left out October contention from 1997-1999.
They do still have Matt Carpenter, Marcell Ozuna, and Yadier Molina in the middle of their lineup, making for a threatening middle of the order for the Red-Birds. They finished last season at 88-74, and they have Goldschmidt for at least next season. He will earn $14.5 million this season before becoming a free agent, that is if the Cardinals don't lock him in before next winter. The slugger has finished in the top three of the NL MVP voting three times, and what's even better for Cardinals' fans is his 1.170 OPS over 43 career games against the Chicago Cubs.
