St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals were the surprise package of the year 2009. They had a great regular season, and managed to surprise all baseball fans when they won the National League Central. Most baseball gurus had picked the Chicago Cubs as firm favourites. At the very edge of the trade deadline they included OF Matt Holliday. They did eventually lose in the playoffs, at the opening round.
The Cardinals ended the year with a record of 91-71. They managed to win their division by 7.5 games over the Chicago Cubs. The team spent a total of 148 days in first place, after having to struggle through early May. Then they were at their worst, being three games out of first. They also had to put in a lot of effort in June, but after their inclusion of Holliday at the trade deadline, there could be no looking back for this team from St. Louis. By September, they had managed to build an 11.5 game lead. This was enough to overcome the large slump that the club experienced at the end of the season.
Albert Pujols and his excellent offensive undoubtedly lead the team. On average, as a team, they batted at .263, scored 730 runs, hit 160 Home Runs, and struck out a meager 1,041 times. They managed to draw 528 walks. The team’s pitching line up is adequate, too. It comprises Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Joel Pineiro, who all won at least 15 games. The team gave up only 640 runs, 1,407 hits, and 123 home runs. They seem in good stead for the 2010 season.
