St. Louis Cardinals 2019 Season Preview

Offseason additions: Paul Goldschmidt, Andrew Miller, Drew Robinson, Adam Wainwright (re-signed), Ryan Meisinger, Tommy Layne (re-singed to minor league contract). Mike Hauschild (minors), Williams Perez (minors), Hunter Cervenka (minors), Chris Beck (minors), Francisco Pena (re-signed to minor league contract), Joe Hudson (minors), Rangel Ravelo (re-signed to minor league contract).

Offseason Subtractions: Carson Kelly, Luke Weaver, Andy Young, Patrick Wisdom, Tyson Ross, Tyler Lyons, Bud Norris, Matt Adams, Greg Garcia.

Point team prediction: 86-90 wins (wild card). The St. Louis Cardinals have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons. Under current ownership this has happened before one time, and they didn't make it a fourth straight. Will the Cardinals finally get back into the postseason? They have a good chance if the bullpen can do well. Last season, the Cardinals won 88 games. That's even after Mike Shildt took over for a team that looked dead. If the bullpen hadn't been so horrible the first month in 2018, the Cardinals probably make the playoffs with a few more wins. The Cardinals went out and traded for one of the best hitters in todays game in Paul Goldschmidt. They signed left handed reliver Andrew Miller as a free agent. Miller if healthy should be a boost for the bullpen, you already know Goldschmidt will be a boost for the Cardinals on both offense and defense. The Cardinals still could use another bullpen arm.

Jeff Albert will start his first season as Cardinals hitting coach. He comes over after serving as the Houston Astros assistant hitting coach. Albert was able to help the Astros offense cut down on strikeouts while on their coaching staff. A full season with Mike Shildt and two good hitting coaches in Albert and Mark Budaska should be good.

Starting pitching:
Miles Mikolas
Carlos Martinez
Jack Flaherty
Michael Wacha
Adam Wainwright

Bullpen:
Jordan Hicks (closer)
Andrew Miller
Chasen Shreve
Brett Cecil (could see him gone at some point)
Dominic Leone
Dakota Hudson (minors if John Gant is out of options)
Alex Reyes

Lineup:
Matt Carpenter
Paul Goldschmidt
Paul DeJong
Marcell Ozuna
Dexter Fowler
Yadier Molina
Harrison Bader
Kolten Wong
pitcher

Bench:
Francisco Pena
Jose Martinez
Jedd Gyorko
Tyler O'Neill
Yairo Munoz
Drew Robinson (He could find a way on the team if Munoz starts in the minors or if Gyorko gets traded. What if O'Neill gets sent down to the minors? Munoz can play all three OF spots too. Robinson knows OF as well.)

Prospect(s to watch:
Alex Reyes (If he can stay healthy for a full season)
Justin Williams
Lane Thomas
Ramon Urias

Fantasy stud: Paul Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt always has been able to stay healthy and drive in runs. He slumped at first last season, but still ended up having a good season. He hits will in all of the stadiums in the NL Central.