Cardinals hope retool fuels return to postseason

JUPITER, Fla. -- Humbled by a playoff drought longer than any the organization has endured since the turn of the century, the Cardinals spent the winter recalibrating. They emerged not only retooled but also re-energized by the possibilities ahead.

The Cardinals reported to Spring Training intent on reasserting themselves as the team to beat in the National League Central. It’s been four years since the club last won the division and equally long since it qualified for the playoffs. Only six players remain from that 100-win team. The Cardinals' entire coaching staff has turned over, too.

This is Cardinals manager Mike Shildt’s team now, and it’s already begun to take on his personality this spring. He’s entrusted his veteran core -- which includes newcomers Paul Goldschmidt and Andrew Miller -- to take the reins, and he has set expectations high. The buy-in has been palpable.

“This is a postseason roster,” veteran starter Adam Wainwright insisted. “There’s nowhere you can point that that part of our game can’t play in the postseason. When I look at our lineup and I look at our bullpen and I look at our starting rotation, I don’t see many holes.”

With two weeks remaining before the club heads north, here’s where things stand:

WHAT’S THE GOAL?

There are a series of them, and, yes, they are bold: Return to the postseason. Reclaim the division. Compete for a World Series championship. After finishing 6 1/2 games behind the Cubs and 7 1/2 back of the Brewers last season, the Cardinals seek to leapfrog both in the NL Central.

If they are left out of October again, it’ll be the team’s longest playoff drought since 1988-95.

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

Correcting course required an overhaul of the staff and a rebuild of the roster. The staff changes started last season, beginning with the decision to install Shildt as the permanent manager. The staff reorganization continued into the offseason with the addition of hitting coach Jeff Albert and the shuffling of other roles. Then it came time to construct a better roster.

Their search for an impact bat took the Cards into the trade market, where they executed a deal for perennial All-Star first baseman Goldschmidt. He’s not only expected to anchor the lineup, but he should also stabilize the Cardinals' defense. Around Goldschmidt, the Cardinals are returning plenty of familiar faces, including Dexter Fowler, who the club hopes is poised for a bounce-back season.

On the pitching side, the club will lean on its depth to provide coverage for the rotation and augment a bullpen that fatigued down the stretch last year. The addition of Miller could be key in helping the club match up against the formidable left-handed hitters lurking in the division. The Cards aren’t likely to have Carlos Martinez at the start of the season, but a strong spring by Alex Reyes reaffirms his readiness to contribute in a big way.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

Regardless of what the public messaging may be, the organization can’t know exactly what it'll get from either of its corner outfielders. Fowler is returning from one of the worst offensive seasons any player had in 2018. Marcell Ozuna is still regaining strength following shoulder surgery. If either flops, the Cardinals’ lineup suddenly won’t appear so deep.

There’s also no guarantee that Martinez recovers as quickly as expected. If he misses any significant period of time, the Cardinals will be moving forward without one of their most electric arms. It’s no sure thing, either, that Wainwright will turn back the clock to become a cog in the rotation again.

As for the team’s bullpen blueprint, the decision to proceed without a designated closer will only work if Miller and Jordan Hicks are healthy and strong. If not, the Cardinals could lack enough firepower in the back end of their ‘pen.

WHO MIGHT SURPRISE?

It may not be fair to consider anything Reyes does a surprise given his status as a top prospect for four years running. But with expectations uncertain following two missed surgeries, Reyes has the potential to make a mighty impact in either a starting or relieving role.

Wainwright, even at age 37, is never to be overlooked. There are also reasons to believe that Fowler and Brett Cecil -- two players who made limited contributions a year ago -- are positioned for better years. Tyler O’Neill has had a standout spring and could nudge his way into more playing time if he carries that success into the season.

As far as prospects to keep an eye on, put Genesis Cabrera and Ryan Helsley on the top of that list, as both could reinforce the bullpen midseason.