2017 Cardinals vs. the Cubs

Looking to next season, one of the big questions is going to be if the Cardinals will be able to keep up with the Cubs.  Last season, the Cubs finished with a 17.5 game lead in the central division, allowing them to clinch the postseason on September 16th.  Here are a few thoughts on how the Cardinals are looking for next season.

The Cardinals aren't really losing very many players to free agency this season, only Matt Holiday and Brandon Moss.  With the departure of Matt Holliday, there has been some speculation that perhaps Dexter Fowler may be singed over to the Cards to fill his spot.  Like I've mentioned in an earlier blog post, I think it is going to take a lot to get Fowler away from the Cubs, especially for the Cardinals.  As for Brandon Moss, who occasionally played 1B or OF, his departure will not be as big of an issue.  The Cardinals have some depth at those positions, so they will be ok at those positions.

As far as aging players goes, big veteran players like Yadier Molina aren't getting any younger.  Here's a link to a page that lists the age of every player.  Give him five more years, and he will be on the brink of retirement.  It will be up to the Cardinals front office to come up with a couple more players to fill the shoes of aging players if they want to remain where they are right now (which is 17.5 games back when underperforming)

As a Cubs fan, I will admit that the Cardinals could have a solid team going into next season.  With a lot of the players they have, along with a few additions to the pitching rotation or bullpen, they could have the potential to compete 2016.  Bottom line, their players who have potential need to perform better than last season, and the front office needs do their part as well.